Mrs BRAHAM - 2007-04-19
As you know, the patients and staff of the Alice Springs Hospital have enjoyed the services of a dedicated chaplain for many years. The current chaplain is on 24-hour call and takes his responsibilities for the welfare of his patients seriously. It is my understanding that the general manager of the hospital now intends taking over control of the chaplain’s position. I believe she intends to make it a public service position at AO3 level, three days a week. I do not know of any other hospital where a chaplain has been made a public servant. It concerns the Ministers’ Fraternal greatly that this may cause conflicts of interest for that chaplain. Will you stop this change? Will you support the Ministers’ Fraternal in making sure that chaplain’s position is independent? Will you ensure that you support the chaplain on his terms and conditions of his work?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, that is a very good question raised by the member for Braitling. It is an issue that we have spoken about in the past. I have also had conversations with the chaplain, not about this particular issue – well, touching on this particular issue - once when he was in Darwin recently for the last sittings, and also subsequent to that. I agree with the member for Braitling; I believe the chaplain does a fantastic job and we want that job to continue.
In relation to the issue that the member for Braitling has raised, it is my information that the way it works currently is that the Health Department funds Anglicare, who then fund the chaplain. My advice, member for Braitling, has been that Anglicare no longer wishes to be a conduit for that money. That has presented a problem of who is going to handle that money. That is the way that it has been put to me by the department.
I understand that there are negotiations ongoing on this issue. I certainly take what you have said to heart. I point out, however, it is my understanding that the chaplains at Royal Darwin Hospital are directly funded and employed by the Health department or the hospital. That is my understanding, at least. However, I note your concerns, member for Braitling. I give a commitment to endeavour to ensure that the fine quality of chaplaincy service within Alice Springs Hospital continues. Like you, I commend the chaplains; they do very important work in pastoral care, supporting those who are in grief, and those who might be having a lot of stress in their lives. It is a very important essential service for our hospitals.
What I undertake to do, member for Braitling, is take your concerns and keep a close watch over this issue. I certainly, in no way, want to see our fine chaplain penalised in any way or the service compromised.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, that is a very good question raised by the member for Braitling. It is an issue that we have spoken about in the past. I have also had conversations with the chaplain, not about this particular issue – well, touching on this particular issue - once when he was in Darwin recently for the last sittings, and also subsequent to that. I agree with the member for Braitling; I believe the chaplain does a fantastic job and we want that job to continue.
In relation to the issue that the member for Braitling has raised, it is my information that the way it works currently is that the Health Department funds Anglicare, who then fund the chaplain. My advice, member for Braitling, has been that Anglicare no longer wishes to be a conduit for that money. That has presented a problem of who is going to handle that money. That is the way that it has been put to me by the department.
I understand that there are negotiations ongoing on this issue. I certainly take what you have said to heart. I point out, however, it is my understanding that the chaplains at Royal Darwin Hospital are directly funded and employed by the Health department or the hospital. That is my understanding, at least. However, I note your concerns, member for Braitling. I give a commitment to endeavour to ensure that the fine quality of chaplaincy service within Alice Springs Hospital continues. Like you, I commend the chaplains; they do very important work in pastoral care, supporting those who are in grief, and those who might be having a lot of stress in their lives. It is a very important essential service for our hospitals.
What I undertake to do, member for Braitling, is take your concerns and keep a close watch over this issue. I certainly, in no way, want to see our fine chaplain penalised in any way or the service compromised.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016