Launch of the Website

11 February 2009

Leader of The Nationals Andrew Stoner, The Nationals Upper House Leader and Duty MLC for Dubbo Duncan Gay and Shadow Minister for Healthy Lifestyles and Barwon MP Kevin Humphries today launched a website and online petition at http://www.fixwesternhealth.com.au to call for the State Labor Government to fix the Greater Western Area Health Service.

The website will go live at approximately 2pm today ahead of a rally planned by The Nationals on Friday at the Church Street Rotunda, Dubbo at 12 noon.

The website was launched in conjunction with the public rally to draw the State Government’s attention to GWAHS, which has amassed debts of more than $60 million to local suppliers.

Current Premier Nathan Rees visited Dubbo this week but refused to attend the public rally on Friday or to immediately ensure that the bills would be paid.

“We are launching this website at http://www.fixwesternhealth.com.au to give people affected by Labor’s shortfall of funding the opportunity to have their say,” Mr Stoner said.

“The public will also have the chance to make their feelings known at a rally in Dubbo on Friday,” he said.

“Health is a core responsibility of the State Government. It defies belief that a Government with a $14 billion health budget cannot pay suppliers and local small businesses on time.

“This is symptomatic of a Labor Government that cannot manage money and cannot be trusted to manage the economy as we head into an economic downturn.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of country communities. If they can’t rely on Government to pay their bills as we head into troubled economic times, exactly who can they trust?

“I would urge everyone in the GWAHS region, which encompasses much of the state, should get onto the website and have their say,” Mr Stoner said.

Mr Gay said that rural health should be a priority for the State Government.

“A health system that can’t afford to pay its bills on time is just not getting the attention it deserves from the State Government,” Mr Gay said.

“Labor want to ignore the mess and hope it goes away in a few months time. In contrast, the Liberal/Nationals want to work with the community in order to fix the problems.

“It shouldn’t be difficult for the State Government to sort this mess out. We need more doctors, nurses and equipment out in Dubbo and right across the GWAHS region.”

Mr Humphries, who uncovered many instances of businesses and staff not being paid, said that the State Government must pay its bills as a first step in fixing the health system.

“In country areas we need more resources in the health system but first things first. Paying these bills and making sure it doesn’t happen again is a vital first step,” he said.