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Mr BARRY O'FARRELL: My question is directed to the Minister for Health. How can the Minister have confidence in the Health Care Complaints Commission inquiry into Camden and Campbelltown hospitals given that the commission has refused to investigate allegations that some of the whistleblower nurses were offered payments in return for signing deeds of release and that nurses were asked to lie about the number of beds available in the paediatric ward?
Mr MORRIS IEMMA: The Health Care Complaints Commission [HCCC] is established by statute to investigate allegations—by people who work in the system as well as by people who access health services—about the quality of health services. That is why the HCCC was established. That is why it is independent of the Government, and that is its role. The HCCC is currently coming to the conclusion of its year-long investigation into a whole range of allegations in relation to Campbelltown and Camden. Its work is near completion. I will respond to the report of the HCCC—
Mr Barry O'Farrell: Point of order: My point of order is in relation to relevance. My question was about Commissioner Adrian's refusal in writing to investigate serious allegations about cover-ups—money being offered to pay to these nurses to be quiet and to lie about the number of paediatric beds. She has refused to investigate those allegations! It is not about your inquiry.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition will resume his seat. There is no point of order. They Minister should be given the opportunity to answer the question.
Mr MORRIS IEMMA: I will respond to that report. I will repeat the remarks I have made consistently in this House and in public in relation to that report, should the final report confirm what was in the draft report. I will address my remarks and comments about the HCCC when it concludes its report and hands it down. In relation to additional allegations, to the best of my recollection a couple of weeks ago I was informed that additional matters were forwarded to the HCCC about patient care at Campbelltown. When the final report is handed down there will be a comprehensive response on all of the issues raised in that report and the allegations therein.