Mary Henry (Independent)

Senator Kett makes an interesting point. He and I have often taken part in case conferences about patients. The thrust of Senator Terry's amendment is very important because those running the case conferences may not always be the best people to decide the applicant's greatest needs. We also have a worry about resources and these amendments show a great deal of respect for the person who is being assessed. This is why I would like to support both amendments, because respect for the person and for the person's wishes is very important.

As Senator Kett pointed out, the parents of a child may give different priorities than those who are involved in the case conference. However, those of us involved in the case conferences are not living at home with the child. Parents might have a more realistic idea on what would make the child's life better, as well as what would make their life more bearable.