Mr BELL - 1995-10-17
As the minister knows, Lois Marley died in Alice Springs Hospital because treating doctors failed to read on her file that she was allergic to antibiotics. I corresponded with the minister in this regard about a week ago. Will the minister support a payment of compensation to her 2 sons, Donald Thomas and Maxwell Grantly?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, my office received correspondence from the member one week ago. I have not prepared a formal reply, but I will do so. I have received only a very preliminary verbal briefing this morning. It indicated the department's understanding to be that, following a statement of claim, some compensation including legal costs was negotiated and paid. I assume that the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service submitted that statement of claim and represented the family. However, I will verify that. Following receipt of a formal and comprehensive departmental briefing, I intend to forward a formal response to the member with copies to those other interested parties.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, my office received correspondence from the member one week ago. I have not prepared a formal reply, but I will do so. I have received only a very preliminary verbal briefing this morning. It indicated the department's understanding to be that, following a statement of claim, some compensation including legal costs was negotiated and paid. I assume that the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service submitted that statement of claim and represented the family. However, I will verify that. Following receipt of a formal and comprehensive departmental briefing, I intend to forward a formal response to the member with copies to those other interested parties.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016