LIBERAL Jeremy Hanson has slammed the ACT government for a motion moved on Thursday in the Legislative Assembly that, he said, would “trample over democratic processes” in order to ram through legislation for a forced takeover of Calvary Hospital.

The acting opposition leader said the motion, supported by all members of Labor and the Greens, was shameful and made a nonsense of democracy.

“We do not support what is happening with the egregious hostile acquisition of Calvary and we do not support what has happened in the Legislative Assembly today,” Mr Hanson said.

“This is the most significant legislation put forward in this term of government and the decision to not follow due process and have a real inquiry to examine this is simply undemocratic.

“The consequence of this decision needs to be understood and someone who did understand this was former Health Minister and Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.”

He said that in 2010 Gallagher was quoted as saying: “Compulsory acquisition could also be a disaster. That would cause a lot of conflict, it would put the system into disarray.”

Mr Hanson said more scrutiny of this legislation was necessary following comments made by Calvary and staff working at the hospital, many of whom only found out through the media.

“It is clear the chief minister and his government do not want this shameful act exposed through an Assembly inquiry,” he said.

“For the government to hide behind staff welfare as an excuse to push this legislation through as quickly as possible is disingenuous and shameful.

“While the Chief Minister is trying to conflate the issue of a new northside hospital with the hostile takeover of Calvary it is important they are looked at very separately.

“It is clear there is a need for more hospital beds and the Canberra Liberals are not opposing the proposition of additional hospital facilities in the north of Canberra, we are absolutely opposed to this hostile takeover.”