11. LESLEY SOPER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What recent reports has he received on investment in health infrastructure?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Health) Link to this
I have seen a report confirming that this Government has undertaken the largest hospital redevelopment and rebuilding programme in New Zealand’s history, including seven new hospitals, eight major upgrades, and 10 new specialist facilities, with three hospital redevelopments almost complete and four more under way. Unlike the National Party, this Labour-led Government is committed to public investment in our hospitals.
Has he seen any reports that suggest the market rather than the Government should provide hospital infrastructure?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes, I have such a report. This “back to the 1990s, market knows best” approach came from the honest Maurice Williamson, one of the few people in the National Party who are being honest about the secret agenda. The National Party tried that approach in the 1990s—
Madam SPEAKERPlease be seated. There is enough disorder in the House today. Just answer the question without the interpretations, please.
No—that is unacceptable. The chipping back and forth is not helpful to the order of this House. Just answer the question or leave the Chamber.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
The National Party tried that approach in the 1990s and it failed. The message to New Zealanders is clear: if they want investment to be made in public health services, they are safe only with Labour.
Has he seen any reports that suggest the previous National Government refused to provide capital funding for health care services in Napier, forcing it to turn to the private sector; if so, what was the outcome?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
Yes; when National refused to stump up with the extra money for health services in Napier, Heath-care Hawke’s Bay was forced into a 13-year, $1.2 million per year lease for a building that had cost only $11 million to build. That is $15.6 million in rent for an $11 million building. And members should wait for this: the building has a current replacement value of only $4.5 million. Because of the sloppy ideologically driven decisions of the last National Government, the taxpayer has kept paying time and time again for the same asset—a $10 million hole. Who would sign off such a crazy deal? It was none other than National’s own Bill English, who, due to Maurice Williamson’s recent attempt to eat his own feet, appears to be more and more likely to become National’s infrastructure spokesperson once again. Madam Speaker, I seek leave to table a media release from the New Zealand National Party dated 25 November 1997, heralding its investment programme.
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I seek leave to table a media release by the Hon Annette King, dated 14 March 2000, where she sets out the financial consequences of the National Party—
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I seek leave to table a further press release by the Hon Annette King, dated 21 March 2000, where she heralds the release of the investigative report—
Hon Tony RyallI seek leave to table a series of press releases from the Labour Government announcing the privatisation of Telecom, the Shipping Corporation of New Zealand, and numerous other Government businesses during its term of office.