Minister for Health and Dr Graeme Reeves

Mr BARRY O'FARRELL: My question is directed to the Premier. Given the refusal of the Minister for Health to act on calls by the member for Bega last September for an investigation into claims of patient mutilation by Dr Graeme Reeves, when will the Premier stop protecting his Labor mates, put the pubic interest first and sack the incompetent Minister?

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: The instance of this vile creature, who has abused his position of trust and caused so much suffering and distress, is the subject, firstly, of a police strike force investigation and, secondly, a Health Care Complaints Commission investigation, both old and new. The questions and concerns raised as to the issue of this creature lying and cheating his way through the health system—as Judge Maguire said in the Medical Tribunal hearing, "lie and cheat"—and continuing to practice are legitimate.

The concerns started in 1990 when the first batch of cases—around 10, I am advised—were investigated by the then health care complaints body, culminating in a decision in 1996 of a referral to a hearing of what was called the Professional Standards of the Medical Board. From there the system failed to ensure that this creature was rubbed out. Why that occurred and why this creature was still able to continue is the subject of investigation by a police strike force and the Health Care Complaints Commission. I have no difficulty whatsoever in having a special commission of inquiry investigate this matter as well—

Mr Barry O'Farrell: Point of order: My point of order is Standing Order 129. I appreciate the Premier's answer to date, but he has not answered why he will not take action against a Minister who did nothing for five months?

The SPEAKER: Order! No point of order is involved.

Mr MORRIS IEMMA: No-one is going to be making excuses for the verification system of 2002. Since the reforms of 2005 there is mandatory checking. Changes have been made to ensure that there is mandatory background checking so that creatures such as this do not continue to work. We expect to receive further information and details from an examination of the circumstances surrounding Dr Reeves, this vile creature who has abused his position of trust.