LNP Cashes In On Health Cuts And Sackings

Media Release.

The Newman Government will cash in on its massive cuts to the public health system by charging Queenslanders $200 a head to learn how it will Americanise hospitals and health services.

Shadow Health Minister Jo-Ann Miller said the LNP will stage a fundraising event tomorrow to launch its slash and burn health policy, channelling thousands of dollars into the party coffers.

“This is a government that’s not only happy to sack thousands of health workers it’s happy to profit from their misery,” Mrs Miller said.

“The Premier needs to either cancel this event or do the right thing and funnel the profits to the victims of Queensland’s latest flood disasters.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that this Premier would seek to line his party’s pockets by charging $200 a head for people to hear how his government plans to gut our public health system and sell bits off to the private sector.

“It is extraordinary that the LNP has found a way to turn the government’s mass sackings and savage cuts to frontline services into a cash cow, by bragging about their efforts at a five star hotel and charging people for the privilege.

“It’s even more extraordinary that they lack the basic compassion to distribute the money they stand to make to the right place – and that’s into the Red Cross disaster appeal.

“I am sure this will not impress communities that are losing frontline health workers having their hospital and health services closed or scaled down and losing nursing home beds.

“I am sure people in Cairns and Moura will be interested to know the LNP sees a chance to make money by selling tickets to hear about a policy that means the loss of their community’s hospital services.

“The same goes for Wynnum and the rest of Brisbane’s southern bayside suburbs that are losing their hospitals and nursing homes, as well as those on the northside who will see the Eventide Home close.

“If the Premier won’t cancel the LNP fundraiser, then he should at least offer free admission to the thousands of nurses and other frontline staff he is sacking in our health system.

“It is an insult to those who have lost or will be losing their jobs.”

Mrs Miller said the refusal of the Newman Government to release the final report of the Costello Audit this week indicated 2013 would see the LNP move to sell off as many state assets as possible, with the health system a prime candidate.

“There is no doubt tomorrow’s event will focus on outsourcing or privatising hospital and health services.

“That’s why Queenslanders must see the secret final report of the Costello Audit which no doubt recommends the sale of as many state assets as possible.

“If there is nothing to hide in the report why keep it under lock and key?”