Wednesday, 31 August 2022

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Health system

Mr GUY (Bulleen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): My question is to the Minister for Health. Can the minister explain why it is now government policy to force all Victorians, including the families of the deceased, the parents of sick children or the brothers and sisters of those who could not get an ambulance when they needed it the most, to now sign consent forms simply to have their health matters responded to by the Minister for Health?

Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services) (14:03): I welcome the opportunity to respond to the Leader of the Opposition’s question, which is an absolute mischaracterisation of what it is that the government is seeking to do.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The minister will be heard in silence.

Ms THOMAS: Thank you, Speaker. Seeking the consent of a patient when an inquiry is raised by a third party, whether it be a member of Parliament or anyone else, is not new. Informed consent has always been required by health services before providing patient information to a third party. There have been a number of occasions in this place when those on the other side have raised issues in relation to their constituents. It is my wish as the Minister for Health to genuinely inquire and support those people to access the information and indeed to respond to these inquiries. But do you know what? I cannot just ring up a hospital and say ‘Can you tell me about so and so?’ because that would be entirely inappropriate. Patient confidentiality is vital, so we require their consent. I need to know that the patient consents to their information being shared. Of course it is important that we reinforce this approach, particularly after learning of at least one patient who, upon being contacted by the department, indicated that they had not given their consent to have their matter raised in this place. Once again we see from those on the other side they are all about the politics, never about the patient.

Mr GUY (Bulleen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:05): The minister said that patient confidentiality is vital and consent has always been required, but noting these consent forms have only been sent to non-government members of the Parliament, does the minister and this government now differentiate on their response to Victorians’ health concerns based on who their elected representative is and where these Victorians live?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Members will be removed from the chamber without warning.

Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services) (14:06): Yet another inaccurate statement from the Leader of the Opposition. All third parties, including all members on this side of the house, are required to get the consent of their constituents before I can follow up—

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Minister for Health.

Ms THOMAS: I have actually completed my answer.