Mental Health Services

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:31): Further supplementary: is the minister concerned that the practice of the department in fining psychiatric units might be taking resources from those psychiatric units and also not addressing the fact that some units may have so much demand that they can't discharge patients in order to meet the 24-hour target?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (14:31): The fine regime has the capacity or the potential to be able to serve as an important incentive in driving the behaviour that we are looking for. We are serious about realising these targets. They are good targets, and they have already resulted in substantial improvements. We think the fine mechanism, notwithstanding the legitimate concerns that the Hon. Ms Lensink raises, acts as an important incentive.