Newman Axe Swings On Regional Hospitals And Jobs

Newman

During the state election Premier Newman said he was "the can do man" now I know what it really means at any cost get it done, "do what I want and don't care what people think or what happens to them" balance the books at any cost attitude! In my view a Government is suppose to perform a service for the people and run things like Hospitals, Schools etc. not tear it all down.

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A media release from Labor opposition Leader  Annastacia Palaszczuk:

4 SEPTEMBER 2012

Newman Axe Swings On Regional Hospitals And Jobs

The LNP Government has launched a full-scale attack on frontline regional health services starting in Townsville with the axing of 130 jobs in a move that is expected to be the tip of the iceberg.

Visiting Townsville today, Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Premier and his Health Minister had betrayed north Queenslanders in breaking a key promise not to slash frontline services.

“The Premier looked all Queenslanders in the eye, he told them their jobs were safe, he told them their frontline services were safe and now we are seeing the real deal,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“His promises were for nothing as we have seen over the past five months as this LNP Government embarks on a full-scale slash and burn exercise, the likes of which we have not seen in a generation.

“Now in the lead-up to this government’s first Budget, they casually announce that they will get rid of 45 nurses, 10 health workers and 23 health practitioners in addition to many others and hide behind their ill-advised and hastily established local health boards, claiming this is local decision.

“But make no mistake – this is part of a full-scale assault on frontline services which in all likelihood will now spread to every other region.

“The Premier and his Health Minister need to be upfront today – how many frontline workers do they intend to slash in Cairns, in Mackay, in Rockhampton?

“When will the axe fall in rural centres like Roma and Emerald and Dalby and Goondiwindi? How many more broken promises do they intend to add to their rapidly rising scrap heap?”

“Queenslanders have every right to be fearful and concerned that what we have witnessed in Townsville is just the beginning of an attack on all region’s health services frontline.”

Ms Palaszczuk said with jobs axed in Townsville and surrounding communities, northern Queenslanders could expect to face increased delays in health care services.

“When you cut vital jobs like nurses, you cut service – and that is the polar opposite of what the former Labor Government achieved in rural centres like Townsville.

“In July last year we opened the Townsville Hospital's new $94 million North Block as the first stage of a $437 million redevelopment, including a new 75 bay emergency department - the biggest ED in Queensland - and a new maternity unit and expanded intensive care unit.

“We were determined to expand and grow health services for a rapidly growing population.

“This LNP Government, in stark contrast, is determined to take a giant step backward.”