BACTERIAL GASTROENTERITIS OUTBREAK

Thursday 29^th November 2007

Rev Fred Nile, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has raised concern during question time in Parliament House about an outbreak of gastroenteritis linked to meat products.

Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE: I ask the Attorney General, representing the Minister for Health, a question without notice. Is it a fact that recently seven New South Wales residents, including three children, have been infected with a rare bacterial gastroenteritis, which could cause kidney failure? Is it a fact that this infection is associated with contaminated meat? What action is the Government taking to contain this infection that has occurred in Newcastle, Tamworth and Sydney?

The Hon. JOHN HATZISTERGOS: I will refer the matter to the Minister for Health.