Friday 19 June 2009

LOOSE WITH THE TRUTH: LABOR LIED ABOUT NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL

Labor in 2006 (before the election):

“This project will provide in excess of $200 million to build a new high level hospital that will service the needs of all residents of the northern beaches, from both ends of the peninsula. The Government announced today a massive commitment to increase health services for the people of the northern beaches. There will be a new hospital.” Morris Iemma in Parliament 30 March 2006

Labor in 2009 (after the election):

“What I’m going to start doing is planning those… The issue is no we can’t. The honest truth is we can’t build those buildings right now.” John Della Bosca on 2GB 17 June 2009

Three years after promising a new Northern Beaches hospital, the lack of funding allocated in the State Budget has forced Health Minister John Della Bosca to confirm Labor have broken their election promise, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.

“When Labor promised to build a new hospital on the Northern Beaches, the truth is, most people simply didn’t believe them – it’s disappointing that the community was proven correct,” Mrs Skinner said.

“It just goes to show how much Labor is focused on spin instead of real solutions,” she said.

“For Labor to get a Premier to stand up in Parliament and tell bald faced lies to the public proves Labor will say anything and promise everything simply to stay in power.

“After 14 years in government, Labor is out of touch and has the wrong priorities.

“Health Minister John Della Bosca doesn’t seem to understand that without a new Northern Beaches hospital, Royal North Shore will be overwhelmed, and lives will be put at risk.

“By breaking this promise Labor will stretch health services on the North Shore and Northern Beaches to breaking point.

“The NSW Liberal/Nationals have positive practical plans to deliver better health services,” Mrs Skinner said.