ANSWERS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS - Answered by 22 August 2006
16 August 2005
12. Investment Attraction – Advertising and Research
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
1. How much was spent on investment advertising interstate during 2004-05?
2. Detail a breakdown by state and the nature of the advertising.
3. Has any research been undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of investment advertising interstate to see what increase and awareness has been achieved?
4. If so, who carried out the research and what was the outcome of that research?
5. How much did the research cost?
ANSWER
1. $17 409.
2. The table in Attachment A details investment advertising undertaken.
3. No formal evaluation has been done to date, but as the early investment attraction efforts are built upon, it is anticipated that evaluation work will be undertaken.
4. Not applicable.
5. Not applicable.
30. Territory Development – Investment Campaigns
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
1. In late 2004-05, you announced plans to embark on a local invest in the Territory campaign. Why did the campaign not eventuate and what was the money eventually spent on?
2. What have been the outcomes from your investment mission to China?
3. How much was spent by the Office of Territory Development on investment advertising interstate during 2004-05?
4. Detail a breakdown by state and the nature of the advertising.
5. Has any research been undertaken by the Office of Territory Development to evaluate the effectiveness of investment advertising interstate, to see what increase and awareness had been achieved?
6. If so, who carried out the research and what was the outcome of that research?
7. How much did the research cost?
ANSWER
1. It was determined that the greater need for local business was to attract skilled workers to the Territory. Every state and territory is suffering from a shortage of skilled workers. In February 2005, the Northern Territory government began a major advertising campaign to raise awareness of employment opportunities in the Territory across Australia and New Zealand.
2. A ministerial report on the subject AustralAsia Trade Route - Investment Mission to Hong Kong and China was presented to parliament on 15 June 2004. Please refer to the Hansard for the outcomes relating to the investment mission.
3. Total cost of investment advertising was $17 409.
4. The table in Attachment A details investment advertising undertaken.
5. No formal evaluation has been done to date but, as the early investment attraction efforts are built upon, it is anticipated that evaluation work will be undertaken.
6. Not applicable.
7. Not applicable.
135. Waiting Lists
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
What initiatives can be found in the 2005-06 budget that are targeted at addressing waiting lists, waiting times or nurse shortages?
ANSWER
Waiting Lists and Waiting Times:
The 2005-06 budget includes a range of initiatives which will assist in reducing waiting times on elective surgery waiting lists. These initiatives include:
funding of $0.97m for the completion of the hospice at Royal Darwin Hospital to enable palliative care patients to be treated in an appropriate environment and free up beds to allow for more surgical patients;
continued funding of $0.5m to support the NT Health Direct service. Public access to the service should reduce attendances in Emergency Departments, reduce inpatient bed access block and allow for additional capacity for surgical patients;
$2m funding to develop renal dialysis services closer to people’s homes in order to improve long-term wellbeing of patients, which may prevent hospital admissions;
$2m to upgrade and expand renal facilities in Alice Springs, again reducing frequency with which people will require admission to hospital;
$7.12m in capital works for construction of health centres in remote communities including Milikapiti, Minjilang, and Daly River, and for upgrading existing health centres in Central Australia and East Arnhem. This increased focus on primary health care should enable more health problems to be identified at an earlier stage and reduce the need for admission to hospital for surgery, thus improving waiting times; and
it should be noted, however, that the priority in terms of surgery will always be for emergency patients.
Nursing Shortages:
Initiatives within Budget 2005-06 to address nurse shortages in the NT, include:
a $1.94m allocation to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) to include recruitment of nine new nurses together with a part-time second intensivist nurse;
a $200 000 allocation to upskill local nurses in midwifery, therefore increasing the local skills base; and
progressing the upgrade of single nurse posts.
136. Alice Springs Hospital - Bed Capacity
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
How many beds are there at Alice Springs Hospital, and detail them ward by ward?
ANSWER
Surgical Ward 30
Medical Ward 45
Paediatric Ward 40
Day Procedure Unit 12
Intensive Care 4
High Dependency 4
Special Care Nursery 8
Maternity 16
Mental Health 6
TOTAL 165
144. Hospital Bed Capacity
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
1. Provide a breakdown of hospital beds across Northern Territory hospitals as at 1 July 2004.
2. Provide a breakdown of hospital beds across Northern Territory hospitals as at 1 July 2005.
3. How many beds are there at Alice Springs Hospital and detail them by ward.
ANSWER
Breakdown of hospital beds across Territory hospitals as at 1 July 2004 and 1 July 2005:
There are 165 authorised beds at Alice Springs Hospital at the current time. The breakdown of beds by ward includes:
148. Hospital Visits by Minister
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
There are five hospitals under your control. How many of these hospitals did the minister visit in 2004-05 and when did the visits occur?
ANSWER
The minister regularly visits Department of Health work sites, including hospitals and remote clinics, as part of his ministerial responsibilities. The minister visited all five hospitals throughout 2004-05.
221. Residential Drug Rehabilitation Centres
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
You will be aware that Green Gates Inc has been lobbying unsuccessfully for a number of years to have a residential drug rehabilitation established in Alice Springs.
In August last year you wrote to the association providing further details on a mapping project being done in Alice Springs and how it will be completed by December 2004. Your letter also talked about conduct of public consultation forums.
Is there any hope that your government will establish a residential rehabilitation program for drug addicts in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Alice Springs currently has a range of services available for people with drug problems. These range from opiate pharmacotherapy services, out-patient and residential withdrawal services and residential drug treatment facilities operated by Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Program Unit (CAAAPU) and Drug and Alcohol Services Association (DASA).
DASA caters for short- and medium-term stays and operates a structured program for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients. They accept all substance users no matter what their primary drug of choice. CAAAPU is a longer-term residential service that caters for people with alcohol problems and accepts both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal referrals.
To ensure there is a range of services to meet the needs of all Territorians, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Program commissioned Health Management Advisors to conduct a review of services and interventions. The objectives of this review were to analyse current treatment services, as a whole and within each region. The report was received in July 2005.
Consultations with existing service providers in Alice Springs did not identify a need for residential services for people with illicit drug problems. Any decisions about new facilities and service models would need to be justified as a priority and there would need to be some certainty that there was a critical mass of people who would benefit from this type of service. Across Australia, treatment models are moving away from residential models and embracing models which are more flexible and which work with people in their current environment, home or supported accommodation environment.
It is the case that illicit drug users will benefit from some distance from their drug-taking environment or lifestyle. However, this does not necessarily lead to the need for a new service provider or facility and could be accommodated with existing service providers and options.
1. we are providing the best possible service mix in each region;
2. that all people are able to access a full range of services; and
3. that services are working towards the provision of current evidence based best practise.
There was a comprehensive review of services and service need, followed by a forum of all stakeholders and service providers. These processes identified that there was sufficient residential capacity in Darwin and Alice Springs. The outcome of these processes is work on service standards, service accountability and improvements in working relationships. This work will ensure that existing services are efficient and effective and position the Territory to seek new services and resources through negotiations in the Australian government.
12. Investment Attraction – Advertising and Research
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
1. How much was spent on investment advertising interstate during 2004-05?
2. Detail a breakdown by state and the nature of the advertising.
3. Has any research been undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of investment advertising interstate to see what increase and awareness has been achieved?
4. If so, who carried out the research and what was the outcome of that research?
5. How much did the research cost?
ANSWER
1. $17 409.
2. The table in Attachment A details investment advertising undertaken.
3. No formal evaluation has been done to date, but as the early investment attraction efforts are built upon, it is anticipated that evaluation work will be undertaken.
4. Not applicable.
5. Not applicable.
30. Territory Development – Investment Campaigns
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
1. In late 2004-05, you announced plans to embark on a local invest in the Territory campaign. Why did the campaign not eventuate and what was the money eventually spent on?
2. What have been the outcomes from your investment mission to China?
3. How much was spent by the Office of Territory Development on investment advertising interstate during 2004-05?
4. Detail a breakdown by state and the nature of the advertising.
5. Has any research been undertaken by the Office of Territory Development to evaluate the effectiveness of investment advertising interstate, to see what increase and awareness had been achieved?
6. If so, who carried out the research and what was the outcome of that research?
7. How much did the research cost?
ANSWER
1. It was determined that the greater need for local business was to attract skilled workers to the Territory. Every state and territory is suffering from a shortage of skilled workers. In February 2005, the Northern Territory government began a major advertising campaign to raise awareness of employment opportunities in the Territory across Australia and New Zealand.
2. A ministerial report on the subject AustralAsia Trade Route - Investment Mission to Hong Kong and China was presented to parliament on 15 June 2004. Please refer to the Hansard for the outcomes relating to the investment mission.
3. Total cost of investment advertising was $17 409.
4. The table in Attachment A details investment advertising undertaken.
5. No formal evaluation has been done to date but, as the early investment attraction efforts are built upon, it is anticipated that evaluation work will be undertaken.
6. Not applicable.
7. Not applicable.
135. Waiting Lists
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
What initiatives can be found in the 2005-06 budget that are targeted at addressing waiting lists, waiting times or nurse shortages?
ANSWER
Waiting Lists and Waiting Times:
The 2005-06 budget includes a range of initiatives which will assist in reducing waiting times on elective surgery waiting lists. These initiatives include:
funding of $0.97m for the completion of the hospice at Royal Darwin Hospital to enable palliative care patients to be treated in an appropriate environment and free up beds to allow for more surgical patients;
continued funding of $0.5m to support the NT Health Direct service. Public access to the service should reduce attendances in Emergency Departments, reduce inpatient bed access block and allow for additional capacity for surgical patients;
$2m funding to develop renal dialysis services closer to people’s homes in order to improve long-term wellbeing of patients, which may prevent hospital admissions;
$2m to upgrade and expand renal facilities in Alice Springs, again reducing frequency with which people will require admission to hospital;
$7.12m in capital works for construction of health centres in remote communities including Milikapiti, Minjilang, and Daly River, and for upgrading existing health centres in Central Australia and East Arnhem. This increased focus on primary health care should enable more health problems to be identified at an earlier stage and reduce the need for admission to hospital for surgery, thus improving waiting times; and
it should be noted, however, that the priority in terms of surgery will always be for emergency patients.
Nursing Shortages:
Initiatives within Budget 2005-06 to address nurse shortages in the NT, include:
a $1.94m allocation to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) to include recruitment of nine new nurses together with a part-time second intensivist nurse;
a $200 000 allocation to upskill local nurses in midwifery, therefore increasing the local skills base; and
progressing the upgrade of single nurse posts.
136. Alice Springs Hospital - Bed Capacity
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
How many beds are there at Alice Springs Hospital, and detail them ward by ward?
ANSWER
Surgical Ward 30
Medical Ward 45
Paediatric Ward 40
Day Procedure Unit 12
Intensive Care 4
High Dependency 4
Special Care Nursery 8
Maternity 16
Mental Health 6
TOTAL 165
144. Hospital Bed Capacity
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
1. Provide a breakdown of hospital beds across Northern Territory hospitals as at 1 July 2004.
2. Provide a breakdown of hospital beds across Northern Territory hospitals as at 1 July 2005.
3. How many beds are there at Alice Springs Hospital and detail them by ward.
ANSWER
Breakdown of hospital beds across Territory hospitals as at 1 July 2004 and 1 July 2005:
Hospital | Number of Authorised Beds at 1 July |
20042005 | |
Royal Darwin Hospital | 345345 |
Alice Springs Hospital | 164165 |
Katherine Hospital | 6060 |
Gove District Hospital | 3030 |
Tennant Creek Hospital | 2020 |
There are 165 authorised beds at Alice Springs Hospital at the current time. The breakdown of beds by ward includes:
Alice Springs Hospital Ward | Number of Authorised Beds |
High Dependency Unit | 4 |
Intensive Care | 4 |
Maternity | 16 |
Medical | 45 |
Mental Health | 6 |
Paediatric | 40 |
Day Procedure Unit | 12 |
Special Care Nursery | 8 |
Surgical | 30 |
148. Hospital Visits by Minister
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for HEALTH
There are five hospitals under your control. How many of these hospitals did the minister visit in 2004-05 and when did the visits occur?
ANSWER
The minister regularly visits Department of Health work sites, including hospitals and remote clinics, as part of his ministerial responsibilities. The minister visited all five hospitals throughout 2004-05.
221. Residential Drug Rehabilitation Centres
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for FAMILY and COMMUNITY SERVICES
You will be aware that Green Gates Inc has been lobbying unsuccessfully for a number of years to have a residential drug rehabilitation established in Alice Springs.
In August last year you wrote to the association providing further details on a mapping project being done in Alice Springs and how it will be completed by December 2004. Your letter also talked about conduct of public consultation forums.
Is there any hope that your government will establish a residential rehabilitation program for drug addicts in Alice Springs?
ANSWER
Alice Springs currently has a range of services available for people with drug problems. These range from opiate pharmacotherapy services, out-patient and residential withdrawal services and residential drug treatment facilities operated by Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Program Unit (CAAAPU) and Drug and Alcohol Services Association (DASA).
DASA caters for short- and medium-term stays and operates a structured program for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clients. They accept all substance users no matter what their primary drug of choice. CAAAPU is a longer-term residential service that caters for people with alcohol problems and accepts both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal referrals.
To ensure there is a range of services to meet the needs of all Territorians, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Program commissioned Health Management Advisors to conduct a review of services and interventions. The objectives of this review were to analyse current treatment services, as a whole and within each region. The report was received in July 2005.
Consultations with existing service providers in Alice Springs did not identify a need for residential services for people with illicit drug problems. Any decisions about new facilities and service models would need to be justified as a priority and there would need to be some certainty that there was a critical mass of people who would benefit from this type of service. Across Australia, treatment models are moving away from residential models and embracing models which are more flexible and which work with people in their current environment, home or supported accommodation environment.
It is the case that illicit drug users will benefit from some distance from their drug-taking environment or lifestyle. However, this does not necessarily lead to the need for a new service provider or facility and could be accommodated with existing service providers and options.
1. we are providing the best possible service mix in each region;
2. that all people are able to access a full range of services; and
3. that services are working towards the provision of current evidence based best practise.
There was a comprehensive review of services and service need, followed by a forum of all stakeholders and service providers. These processes identified that there was sufficient residential capacity in Darwin and Alice Springs. The outcome of these processes is work on service standards, service accountability and improvements in working relationships. This work will ensure that existing services are efficient and effective and position the Territory to seek new services and resources through negotiations in the Australian government.
Question 12
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A
State | Name of Media | Subject | Cost |
National | Australian Transport and Logistics Review | AustralAsia Trade Route | $ 10 318 |
National | Australian Financial Review | NT Feature Special Report | $ 7 091 |
Total Cost | $ 17 409 |
Question 30
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT A
State | Name of Media | Subject | Cost |
National | Australian Transport and Logistics Review | AustralAsia Trade Route | $ 10 318 |
National | Australian Financial Review | NT Feature Special Report | $ 7 091 |
Total Cost | $ 17 409 |
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016