NORTH COAST MPs UNITE OVER LABOR’S KILLER MINI-BUDGET HEALTH CUTS

27 November 2008

Leader of The Nationals Andrew Stoner and all North Coast State Nationals MPs said that Labor’s mini-disastrous budget would see frontline services cut on the North Coast, particularly in the area of health.

Mr Stoner (Oxley) and North Coast MPs George Provest (Tweed), Steve Cansdell (Clarence), Thomas George (Lismore), Andrew Fraser (Coffs Harbour), Melinda Pavey MLC, Jenny Gardiner MLC and Shadow Minister for the North Coast Don Page (Ballina) all said that lives would be lost if the State Government’s planned health cuts went ahead.

The Daily Telegraph reported that up to 400 full-time jobs would be slashed across North Coast hospitals. The cuts are widespread and may affect nurses, cleaners and management.[1] Health Minister John Della Bosca has confirmed that cuts will be made on the North Coast and is currently determining which jobs would go.

“All North Coast Nationals MPs have a message to the State Labor Government. The North Coast health system simply can’t cope with 400 jobs being cut,“ Mr Stoner said.

“As representatives of the region we hear all too often that the system is already at breaking point. These cuts will mean reduced patient care and lives will be lost.

“The State Government’s own resource distribution formula states that the North Coast Area Health Service budget should be nearly $60 million per year larger than what it is.

“The North Coast is the fastest growing region of NSW and the ageing population of the region means that demand for hospitals will only grow in the future.

“We have united today here at Parliament to say we will stand up for our communities on the North Coast in the face of these unacceptable cuts from State Labor.“

Shadow Minister for the North Coast Don Page said that the mini-budget was a disaster for the people of the North Coast.

“This is a mini-budget of neglect for the people of the North Coast,“ Mr Page said.

“From the 400 job losses in health, to $330 million slashed from the Pacific Highway budget, the axing of the fuel subsidy scheme and a new tax on our kids who often have to travel long distances to get to school, the North Coast has borne the brunt of State Labor’s poor decisions.

“Like the rest of NSW, the North Coast needs a change of Government to deliver better services and infrastructure for the region,“ Mr Page said.

[1] Daily Telegraph, Up to 400 jobs to be slashed across NSW hospitals: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24687822-5006009,00.html