The Belco Party has condemned the ACT Government’s plans to forcibly acquire Calvary Public Hospital.

“This is a matter of great concern to the Belco Party,” Jason Taylor, Belco Party candidate for Yerrabi, said. “The manner and speed at which this takeover is occurring is frankly unnecessary and raises many questions and concerns.”

• Fit the bill: Labor-Greens cross to bear – Calvary takeover (20 May)

Hospital staff will begin transferring from Calvary to Canberra Health Services on 31 May, before the acquisition on 3 July. Health-minister Rachel Stephen-Smith claims the “relatively short” transition period was chosen “to minimise the uncertainty for staff”.

“The Health Minister’s public comments about ‘providing certainty’ to staff to justify this whole process would be laughable if it wasn’t so serious,” Mr Taylor said.

“People we have spoken with are telling us they are extremely concerned about their jobs and their futures. To treat a cohort of people who have been absolutely flogged over the past few years in this manner is deplorable.”

• Calvary takeover bill introduced to ACT Assembly (11 May)
• ACT government claims Calvary negotiations failed (11 May)
• New northside hospital to be built on Calvary Public Hospital site (10 May)
• Fit the bill: Labor-Greens cross to bear – Calvary takeover (20 May)

The Belco Party also objected to Ms Stephen-Smith’s introduction last week of a bill to compulsorily acquire the site. The ACT Government agreed to debate the Bill before any committee inquiry or report, except for the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety in its Legislative Scrutiny role – a move the Canberra Liberals view as undemocratic and dictatorial.

“This Greens/Labor Government’s complete bypassing of the parliamentary process to rush through the legislation that will allow this takeover is disgraceful,” Mr Taylor said. “It’s symptomatic of the arrogance of a Government that has been in power for too long.

“Not having a crossbench at all in the Assembly is lamentable. If the Belco Party forms part of a strong and effective cross bench after the 2024 election, matters like this simply won’t be allowed to happen. Contentious issues such as this must follow the proper, rigorous process, and be given due consideration. It’s the fundamental part of a politician’s job.”

Future of the hospice and palliative care in doubt

The Belco Party was also concerned about the future of palliative care in the ACT: what would happen to Clare Holland House, Calvary’s inpatient palliative care unit?

“Clare Holland House is the only publicly funded palliative care facility in the Territory, and my understanding is that it is not part of the acquisition,” Mr Taylor said.

According to The Mandarin, the ACT Government has no immediate plans to take over Clare Holland House; the Little Company of Mary will continue to operate it.

“The waiting list to access Clare Holland House is over 150 people,” Mr Taylor said. “Palliative care is a service that should be expanded, yet the future of public access to it beyond July is uncertain. It is matter that the minister must address urgently.”

An ACT Government spokesperson said: “Clare Holland House Hospice delivers vitally important health services in the ACT, and will continue to do. The ACT Government has sought further discussion with Calvary to determine the best way forward for Clare Holland House Hospice. This is necessary because Clare Holland House Hospice is operationally connected to Calvary Public Hospital.”