REES LABOR GOVT INCOMPETENCE: GWAHS OVERDUE HEALTH BILLS $9.8 MILLION

16 September 2009

“My guarantee is that the benchmark that has been established for a long time will be met.” Former Health Minister John Della Bosca in relation to the 45-day NSW Health benchmark to pay hospital bills, NSW Parliament, Hansard 25/9/2008

“The Premier was “too busy with other things” to deal with the issue (of unpaid bills)”, Nathan Rees’ spokesperson, ‘Premier ‘too busy’ to resuscitate hospitals’ SMH, 28/1/2009

The Rees Government’s appalling record of not paying health bills has surfaced again with revelations today creditors are owed $69 million, including Greater Western Area Health Service owing $9.8 million, despite Labor previously saying they would be paid off, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.

“During Budget Estimates, it was revealed the Rees Labor Government’s notorious record of paying creditors has continued,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Unfortunately the incompetent Rees Labor Government has been too busy dealing with scandals and in-fighting, instead of getting on with the job of ensuring small businesses are paid on time,” she said.

“It is completely unacceptable that creditors are owed $9.8 million by Greater Western AHS.

“Not only are small businesses hurt by the Area Health Service’s inability to pay its bills on time, in some cases patient care could be put at risk when suppliers are unable to continue supplying critical medical equipment because the bills have not been paid.

Mr Gay said the Liberals and Nationals had been campaigning on GWAHS for a long time now and a change of Government was needed to fix the mess.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals have put forth a positive, practical plan to ensure small business is paid on time,” Mr Gay said.

“We will introduce a 30-day mandatory payment code and penalty interest payments for unpaid bills.

“NSW is ready for change and change for the better is possible,” Mr Gay concluded.