LGH Survey - Queensland consulting firm

Question

Ms ARMITAGE question to DEPUTY LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Ms HOWLETT

[2.51 p.m.]

Before I ask my question I ask the Deputy Leader when I might expect a follow‑up answer to my previous question regarding why a Queensland firm was engaged to do a survey at the Launceston General Hospital. I was quite insulted by the previous answer and I had a follow‑up question. When I had asked why a Queensland firm was engaged, the previous answer the minister signed off was -

I'm advised that if emergency department staff are required to attend to the distribution, collection, collation and reporting of ED surveys it is estimated that it would cost approximately $30 000 to $40 000.

I am not sure why I received an answer like that. I was quite insulted by it. I was simply asking why they had not used a Tasmanian firm. If that follow-up question, which I forwarded over a week ago, could be provided, I would be grateful.

Mr Dean interjecting.

Ms ARMITAGE - Member for Windermere, it was an insulting answer - that I would expect the emergency department to do it themselves.

Ms Howlett - I am waiting for the minister to sign off on the answer. Unfortunately -

Ms ARMITAGE - It was a very simple follow-up question.

Ms Howlett - Unfortunately, I cannot respond to that without the minister's authority.

Ms ARMITAGE - I felt it necessary to raise this matter, given it was over eight days ago that I forwarded it.

Ms Howlett - Point taken.