On 28 February 1995, Dr John Zalcberg, Director of Medical
Oncology and Palliative Care, Heidelberg Repatriation
Hospital, Victoria, was quoted in The Age as follows: "the
Northern Territory has no medical oncologist, very limited
radiotherapy services, not a single palliative care
specialist, an inadequately resourced domiciliary
palliative care programme and not a single hospice.".

1. In the light of Dr Zalcberg's claim, does the Northern
Territory Department of Health and Community Services have
the services of a medical oncologist:

(a) if so, under what arrangement; and
(b) if not, why not.

2. Are radiotherapy services available within the Northern
Territory; if so, what services are available.

3. Does the Northern Territory have a palliative care specialist:

(a) if so, under what arrangements; and
(b) if not, why not.

4. What resources are committed to palliative care, by community care district.

5. Does the Northern Territory Government intend to provide a hospice; if so:

(a) how will this be done; and
(b) when will it be completed.

6. Did Alice Springs Department of Health and Community
Services personnel place a request for a position of a
palliative care nurse specialist to be based in that centre
several months ago; if so:

(a) why has this not been put in place; and
(b) will this position be provided.

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