Mr DEAN ( Windermere ) - Madam President, I think it is the second time that I have spoken on a third reading since I have been here. I wanted to raise an issue that I raised during the Committee stage of this bill and it relates to 'specifically for the purpose of suggesting that a review of section 127A of the Evidence Act be undertaken to ensure that there is no conflict between that section and the provision of a report to the national board by a medical practitioner completing a health performance assessment or a medical report on a registered health practitioner as required under Division 9 of Part 8 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Tasmania) and/or treating another medical practitioner for a reportable condition under the national act'. The Evidence Act, section 127A, is clear in stating that a medical practitioner cannot divulge in any civil proceeding any communication made in treating another person. The Evidence Act defines 'civil proceeding' as 'any proceeding other than a criminal proceeding' and proceeding is not defined.

It is not my intention to hold this up. I simply wanted to make that statement, Madam President, and would ask that there is a review to be sure that there is no conflict or inconsistency between those two areas.

Mr Parkinson - The later law will prevail.

Bill read the third time.