Justine Elliot (Richmond, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to condemn North Coast National Party MPs for closing the maternity birthing service at the Murwillumbah District Hospital. Our community will hold these National Party MPs responsible—in particular, the member for Lismore, Thomas George, and the member for Tweed, Geoff Provest. I note that both these MPs have gone into hiding since this cruel announcement was made.

Here we are, only two months after the NSW state election and the National Party have moved to shut this vital local service. This is a disgraceful act. I have been contacted by so many families who are angry and disappointed that they can no longer access the birthing centre at Murwillumbah, as it closed suddenly last Friday. Our community will not tolerate the downgrading of the hospital's maternity unit. This unacceptable proposal will put at risk the lives of babies and mothers.

The Liberal-National Party's decision to downgrade Murwillumbah hospital is, quite frankly, an insult to locals. The New South Wales Government is just ripping funding from services on the North Coast so they spend it in Sydney. The Murwillumbah community will not accept any cutbacks and will continue to fight them. In fact, this Wednesday there will be a major rally at 10 am outside the hospital. I call on locals to attend it to make their voices heard. At that rally, locals will send a very clear message to the National Party, in particular those North Coast National Party MPs. The fact is, the National Party cannot be trusted when it comes to the healthcare of our community. We condemn the National Party for closing the birthing unit at Murwillumbah hospital. This is a vital service that must be maintained, and the community will hold the National Party responsible for this cruel cut.