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

I just want to make a brief contribution. I support the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Amendment Bill 2023. I'd like to see it move forward. What has been done here in the ACT by the ACT government is a massive overreach. It's no surprise that the Australian Capital Territory administration have done this sort of caper. This forced takeover of the Calvary hospital, the private Catholic organisation, is an absolute shame. It's a major breach of faith with the community and certainly for those of faith within the ACT. Indeed, the signal that it is sending right across the country is of a very concerning step that has been taken here.

I note that the Calvary hospital had 76 years of its lease remaining and operated under an agreement with the then ACT health minister, the soon-to-be Minister for Finance in this place, Katy Gallagher, since 2011. Calvary engaged in negotiations and even offered to return land to the ACT government. Despite all these efforts, the ACT government decided to forcefully take over the private hospital.

A lot has been said about this and whether or not this is an attack on freedom of religion. I for one believe that that is the case. I think that's evidenced by what happened on the very day after the handover occurred. What was the very first thing the government did? They got a crane, erected it, set it up and took down the cross. They didn't even allow for a couple of days to go by. It was the very first thing they did. I would have thought there were other things that might have been done. They could have sat down with the staff and talked to them about the changes that were occurring. But the very first thing they did was get some contractors in to take down the cross.

I think that demonstrates exactly what this is about. I think it's sending all the wrong messages. It's demonstrating the DNA of a Labor government and what they do if given too much power and too much control. I fear other steps they might take across the country. I'm very disappointed. I really do urge those that are listening to this debate, and those senators that in a moment will have a chance to vote on this, to support this very sensible bill that's been put up. I urge senators to support it in the strongest possible way, and of course that is by coming in here and voting for this legislation.

(Quorum formed)