People Power On Show At Dubbo Health Rally

13 February 2009

Shadow Minister for Healthy Lifestyles and Western NSW Kevin Humphries and The Nationals Duty MLC for Dubbo Duncan Gay said that today’s health rally was a great demonstration of people power and the strength of the community in country areas like Dubbo and surrounding regions.

“We were pleased we were able to facilitate such a fantastic rally today, in which hundreds and hundreds of people turned out to raise their concerns about how the State Government has run the health system down,” Mr Humphries said.

“A wide cross section of the community spoke today, and they spoke with one voice.

“They want their health services restored to an acceptable level.

“The State Labor Government needs to hear the voice of the community and react to their concerns immediately.

“Many people said today that it was strange Nathan Rees visited Dubbo this week but refused to address the rally or the issues of unpaid bills.

“We are extremely concerned at statements from the State Labor Government that suggest that any shortfall in GWAHS funding might be made up from next year’s Budget, which means this situation may well happen again in less than a year,” he said.

The Nationals Duty MLC for Dubbo, Duncan Gay said that the rally was a great success.

“I am just so pleased that so many people came forward to have their say, particularly considering the weather conditions,” Mr Gay said.

“Whether they were doctors, nurses, patients or just residents of the community, everyone came together and they were united.

“Nathan Rees and his State Labor Government will ignore the message from today at their own peril.

“If they don’t fix the mess, then the NSW Liberal/Nationals Coalition will after the 2011 State Election.

“I urge everyone to keep logging onto the website, which can be found at http://www.fixwesternhealth.com.au to keep up the community pressure,” he said.