Federal Richmond MP Justine Elliot (ALP) says the National Party has ‘no plans for funding the Tweed Hospital’ based on the response she received to a question in writing yesterday.
Ms Elliot put the questions to regional development minister Fiona Nash concerning her visit to the Tweed Hospital during the federal dlection campaign, during which time an APN Media article stated that ‘Nationals candidate Matthew Fraser said he and rural health minister Fiona Nash had visited the hospital but said it was uncertain what amount was needed, with the figure to be finalised in coming months.’
In the question, Ms Elliot asked ‘has a funding amount yet been determined; if so, (a) what sum, (b) from which program will it come, and (c) when will it be allocated; if not, when will the funding amount be determined?’
The reply, from the minister representing Ms Nash in the lower house, stated, ‘The article to which the honourable Member refers quotes the Nationals candidate for Richmond, Matthew Fraser, rather than the minister for regional development. Issues relating to hospital infrastructure funding fall within the responsibility of the minister for health, as well as state and territory governments.’
Ms Elliot said the response revealed, ‘that the statement by the Nationals had been a lie and no funding would be delivered.’
‘This latest revelation comes on top of the State Liberal-National government cuts to our hospitals and [Nationals Tweed MP] Geoff Provest’s failure to deliver promised funding for the Tweed Hospital.
‘The Nationals in government at both a federal and state level continue to neglect the health and hospital needs of families on the north coast, Ms Elliot said.
Minister’s secret schedule
Her damning critique comes on the day that the new state health minster Brad Hazzard is due to visit the hospital to welcome new interns.
And it follows claims by her state colleague and health spokesperson Walt Secord called for increased staffing after long delays experienced at other north coast hospitals
Yesterday Echonetdaily called Mr Hazzard’s office for a statement regarding his visit but received no response.
I think its due to it being a labor seat and not a liberal or national seat so why should they fund anything?
Because it is no fun when people are sick … and they are tired of the Hospital not being funded.