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The Hon. Dr PETER WONG: My question is to the Special Minister of State, representing the Minister for Health. This morning's Sydney Morning Herald had the disturbing headline "Husband had HIV but pregnant wife was last to know". The case in question pertains to a doctor failing to warn a patient of her fiancé's HIV and hepatitis B positive status despite their having attended a joint consultation for testing. Will the Minister consider special provisions for the statutory protection of doctors who, in special circumstances, ought to disclose health information to partners and spouses whose lives would be at risk without this information?
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA: I am aware of that report but I think the appropriate course is for me to refer the matter to the Minister for Health and ask him to provide the House with an answer as soon as practicable.