Calvary hospital takeover to be probed by federal senate

The ACT Labor government’s controversial takeover has drawn criticism from religious leaders for setting a dangerous precedent.

The ACT Labor government’s takeover of Calvary Public Hospital will be probed by a Senate ­committee after the acquisition drew criticism from many religious leaders for setting a dangerous precedent for faith-based institutions.

The inquiry into the Calvary takeover was backed by the ­Coalition and Greens, after Nat­ionals senator Matt Canavan had tried to introduce legislation to amend powers of the ACT ­government.

The Senate inquiry into the forced acquisition comes as the ACT Supreme Court on Friday will reveal reasons why it dismissed the Catholic health provider’s argument that the takeover was invalid.

Religious leaders criticised the Supreme Court’s judgment – which cleared the way for the ACT government to construct a new hospital on the north Canberra site – for undermining religious freedoms.

Calvary was criticised earlier this year by an ACT parliamentary committee, chaired by Greens member Jonathan Davis, for a reluctance to offer abortions.

Senator Canavan said the inquiry would enable the Senate to uncover the reasons behind the ACT government’s decision to push through a bill that would allow it to take control of the Bruce site by July 3.

Greens health spokesman Jordon Steele-John said the Greens supported the stance of its ACT counterpart, which backed the takeover, and would oppose Senator Canavan’s bill.