Monday 12 January 2009

WRONG DECISIONS FROM LABOR’S CRUEL MINI-BUDGET SLUGS FAMILIES PARKING AT HOSPITALS

The State Labor Government’s plan to gouge an extra $6 million from families visiting loved ones in our hospitals shows how out of touch Nathan Rees is, and how his government continues to make wrong decisions, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.

Page A-6 of the mini-budget shows the State Labor Government plans to raise an extra $6 million from families parking at hospitals and to “maximise revenue opportunities”.

“This State Labor Government is all about trying to gouge money from families instead of giving them the health services they deserve,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Families visiting sick loved ones will be slugged an extra $6 million just so they can support those who have had an operation or an accident,” she said.

“Parents and loved ones of children who have long term or permanent medical conditions must be exempt from Labor’s latest slug on families.

“This is a heartless and unjustified move from a State Labor Government addicted to revenue raising and not supporting frontline hospital services.

“This decision shows the State Labor Government never thinks through decisions, it just keeps on making wrong decisions and NSW families are the ones who pay the price.

“It will cost families and staff more to park at their local hospital as a result of this mini-budget.

“The State Labor Government has reached a new low if it thinks slugging families of children who are very sick and require ongoing treatment at hospitals even more money for parking.

“Parents should not be penalised for having sick children, they should be supported,” Mrs Skinner said.