Jillian Skinner MPMember for North Shore |
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Thursday 27 March 2008
MORRIS IEMMA OUT-FOXED BY ANNA BLIGH: NSW MISSES OUT ON ‘EXTRA’ HOSPITAL FUNDS
Morris Iemma has been hopelessly out-foxed by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh over hospital funding, Deputy NSW Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.
The Brisbane Courier-Mail reports this morning “a backroom deal has been struck between Premier Anna Bligh and Kevin Rudd that should deliver million of extra dollars to Queensland’s public hospitals. Ms Bligh yesterday won a ‘personal guarantee’ from the Prime Minister for private talks and is confident of snaring additional money for the state.”
“Morris Iemma has failed to stand up for NSW and to Kevin Rudd,” Mrs Skinner said.
“NSW hospitals are in crisis, but Morris Iemma has failed to secure one of these cosy special deals for our state,” she said.
“Morris Iemma should be banging on the table insisting NSW will secure additional funding – over and above what was agreed to yesterday.
“The fact Mr Iemma has failed to secure a ‘backroom deal’ for NSW means the people of NSW have no hope of improvements.
“It’s also a demonstration NSW is missing out because of our ineffective Premier in Morris Iemma who is obviously unable to force Mr Rudd’s hand they way other leaders can.
“NSW could well be paying the price for having a Queenslander in the Lodge.
“While the Garling Health Inquiry makes its way around the state hearing from doctors, nurses and patients about the lack of funding and resources, Morris Iemma has failed to do his job and stand up for NSW.
“Morris Iemma has left the state’s hardworking frontline health workers out to dry,” Mrs Skinner said.