As we build up to the 2024 ACT election in October, Marisa Paterson MLA and Jeremy Hanson CSC, MLA will write a column each week covering different topics. This is the fifth instalment.

Marisa Paterson

I am a proud, passionate southside resident and I am so excited to provide a snapshot of ACT Labor’s regional commitments for the south of Canberra for this election. ACT Labor is committed to upgrades at many south Canberra public schools. Existing Tuggeranong, Weston Creek Walk-in Centres and the Coombs Health Centre will see an expansion in services under our plan. We have listened to the community about the need for more investment in footpaths and lighting upgrades.

Labor’s plan for Tuggeranong provides a strong focus on transport, with significant road upgrades, a new rapid bus service from Lanyon to Civic, upgrades to cycling paths and further upgrades to the Tuggeranong Foreshore. ACT Labor will deliver the hydrotherapy pool and a new South Tuggeranong Health Centre in Conder. We are committed to undertaking major upgrades at Erindale and Chisholm shops, along with upgrades at many playing fields across Tuggeranong.

ACT Labor’s Woden and Weston Creek plan provides a strong commitment to deliver light rail to the south. We’ve just opened a bigger emergency department, new ICU and operating theatres at the Canberra Hospital, and we’ll continue to make upgrades including delivering more parking. CIT and the new bus interchange currently underway are central to ACT Labor’s vision of a vibrant, connected Woden. Labor will build a new Woden Community Centre and develop a plan for improved recreational facilities for Eddison Park. Sporting facilities at Phillip, Mawson, and Hughes Ovals will see upgrades, and lighting will be installed at Waramanga and Stirling Playing Fields. Shop upgrades at Mawson and Cooleman Court are exciting commitments we are bringing to this election!

ACT Labor will continue to deliver services and infrastructure for the Molonglo Valley as the region grows. ACT Labor is committed to a Molonglo Police Station (something I have strongly advocated for over this term). ACT Labor will build a library, community centre, a child and family centre, as well as a new primary school in Whitlam. We will progress design work on a new public high school and college. We will also begin planning works on a new arterial road out of Molonglo Valley and see the Molonglo Bridge delivered.

As your passionate advocate for the south (#2611!), I am proud to present ACT Labor’s progressive and practical plan!

Jeremy Hanson

Why we need a Royal Commission into ACT Health.

When Labor first took power, Canberra’s health system was as good as any in the country.

At the 2012 election, Labor lost their majority but did a deal with the Greens to retain power. That’s when the problems began.

Tens of millions of dollars were ripped out of the health system to pay for a tram. A promised new hospital was delayed, and almost every aspect of the health system suffered significant problems.

A review into Intensive Care found “there was a lack of response or support from management”.

In Paediatrics, a report stated the department had a “lack of appropriate care setting and formalised protocols for high acuity and deteriorating patients”.

The Foetal Medicine Unit lost its training accreditation in 2022. Staff have since left the unit or reduced their hours.

The 2021 Workplace Culture Survey revealed that 23 per cent of nurses and medical officers experienced bullying in the workplace over the last 12 months, and one in eight nurses and one in four medical officers wanted to leave Canberra Health Services in the next two years.

In area after area, year after year, core services have been pushed beyond breaking point, until, tragically the worst happens, and some patients have died or spent years in suffering.

As more and more problems came to light, the government went into hiding.

Even when officially called to answer questions, they stalled or blocked the answers. Freedom of Information requests were returned with hundreds of passages blocked out.

The question is, how do we fix a broken system?

There is only one way: a Royal Commission.

This was used for Aged Care, Veterans Affairs, and the banking system federally, and it can provide a pathway forward here.

A Royal Commission is the highest form of independent inquiry with the power and authority to get to the real truth. There can be no more cover-ups, no more delays, and no more promises that are broken year after year.

For the patients, for the staff doing their best in a broken system, and for the future of health care in Canberra, we need this Royal Commission.

It’s the only way to fix our broken health system.