Obstetric Patients Mutilation by Deregistered Doctor

Mrs JILLIAN SKINNER: I direct my question to the Premier. Why has the Premier allowed an incompetent Minister for Health to remain on his front bench when, after five months, she still cannot give the brave women who have come to this Parliament today any answers as to why they were mutilated by a doctor re-employed by the health service despite a red flag being placed against his name?

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: Let me say at the outset that the series of accounts that have surfaced in the past week about this doctor are disturbing in the extreme. Our medical practitioners hold a privileged position of trust within the community. When that trust is breached, the resulting stories often are horrific and heartbreaking. To the women in the public gallery today, I commend you for your courage in coming forward and I am sorry for the awful experiences you have suffered at the hands of someone who has acted so despicably. I am advised that a helpline has been established and I encourage all women who have been affected to come forward and assist. I am advised further that any new complaints will be referred immediately for investigation by the Health Care Complaints Commission and the police, as well as previous complaints being reviewed as part of those investigations.

I am advised further that a police strike force has been established to investigate the allegations made by the patients. Strike Force Tarella comprises detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad and the far South Coast Local Area Command. Yesterday, strike force detectives met with Lorraine Long from the Medical Error Action Group at New South Wales police headquarters. Ms Long is continuing to work with detectives to prioritise matters for referral to the strike force.

Mrs Jillian Skinner: Point of order. The question specifically related to the inaction by the Minister for Health after five months. The Premier is talking about what is happening from today.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Deputy Leader of the Opposition to resume her seat. The answer clearly is relevant to the question.

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: I have outlined a series of actions that have been taken. In conclusion, let me say that our thoughts are with these brave and courageous women.