Thursday, 20 February 2025

Southern Metropolitan Region

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:50): (1408) My constituency question today is for the Minister for Health, and it concerns the shocking developments in our health system not just in NSW but specifically at the Alfred Hospital in my electorate, where this antisemitic approach has appeared. I note that the health minister has made some statements about this, but this cannot be allowed to persist. What I am seeking from the health minister is a review across the Victorian public hospital system but specifically in the hospitals in my electorate to ensure that the antisemitic focus that was uncovered at the Alfred is not replicated in any other hospital in Southern Metropolitan Region.

A member interjected.

David DAVIS: No, I am just talking about health services here, and I am talking about my region, which actually has the largest concentration of the Jewish community in the state. I am seeking that review to make sure that the antisemitic behaviour does not occur.

The PRESIDENT: Time has expired.

David Davis: President, I just want to add to the point of order before. Mrs McArthur got up and raised a point and I think in this case legitimately. I understand the point that you were making about things outside the electorate, but the Royal Children’s Hospital is a statewide provider. People seek specialist treatment there from all over Victoria. The conclusion would be, if you pushed the idea that only those in a particular place could raise that, only people in Northern Metro could raise something about the Royal Children’s Hospital despite it being a statewide provider and treating people from Mrs McArthur’s electorate, from my electorate and from your electorate. They are treated from all over the state, so I think it is within the spirit of a constituency question to raise a matter about a specific individual in your electorate who is treated at a statewide provider.

Lee Tarlamis: On the point of order, President, there are other mechanisms where they could address this, like through an adjournment matter.

The PRESIDENT: Further to this point of order, there are a number of provisions I would hope for members to represent their constituents. I will take into account what you are saying, Mr Davis, but my concern is that it could be endless with different facilities right through the state that may be unique in the service they supply. I will take into account what you are saying and consider it, but at this point, as I have said, there were two constituency questions of this nature which will be passed on to those ministers today. In the future I would like to think that members could take into consideration my concern about these institutions. Everything will be passed on today.

Sitting suspended 12:53 pm until 2:03 pm.