Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I realise this debate is limited in time, so I'm going to keep my remarks short so that my other colleagues who I know want to contribute to this debate have the time afforded to them as well. This is a very sad state of affairs, and I want to say in the very strongest possible terms that I am deeply concerned about and condemn the ACT government for this unprecedented move against Calvary hospital. I want to strongly express my dismay that the Prime Minister is not doing what he should be doing, and that is to stand up for this organisation and, indeed, for the community in making sure that the transfer of ownership of this hospital doesn't go ahead. It's very disappointing indeed.

Mr Barr's government is behaving like a Third-World dictatorship, frankly, in ramming a new law through the ACT parliament, because they forced their way, with no consultation. The Prime Minister said that he would lead for all Australians and work to unify Australia. Where is he? Where is the Prime Minister? The Prime Minister said: 'The ACT government are expanding their public hospital service delivery and restructuring healthcare provision as a result. It's not seen as providing any precedent by the ACT government and should not be seen by anyone else in that way.' How weak is that, frankly?

Let's be clear. This is a direct attack on the Catholic Church and its institutions. This is an attack on religious freedoms. This is an attack on people of faith. The message here is that, if you don't submit to their ideological left-wing governments, they will come after you and your freedoms. Archbishop Christopher Prowse was correct when he said:

I find myself wondering if I understand the purpose of government in Australia any longer. If the Catholic Church, despite long years of service, is a target for government takeover, who is safe from similar predations?

He's right. What is the purpose of government? I tell you that it is certainly not to make premeditated attacks on organisations that do good in our communities. This is an incredibly dangerous precedent that we're seeing here. I condemn the ACT government for this, and I strongly urge the Albanese government to step up, do what is right in this case and protect religious organisations such as this, which has been delivering wonderful services to Australians for 44 years. It has 76 years left on the lease that it currently has. That was, in fact, established by the Chief Minister at the time, Senator Gallagher. This is an outrageous attack.

This is an issue that has concerned Australians, not just those that reside here in the ACT but, indeed, people from all over Australia. I have received a countless number of emails from constituents in Western Australia who are very concerned about the precedent that this creates. I was going to read a few of the emails, but I am going to allow my colleagues to finish off this debate. This is a serious issue. It sets a dangerous precedent, and I urge the government to do something to remedy this situation and block it from happening.