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Canal Sucks Up the Money for Health?
09 February 2005
The Health Services Union today questioned why the Coalition appears to have scaled back its plans for improving the health system if it wins government.
HSU State secretary Dan Hill said the Coalition was talking about a $900 million plan in December to boost the hospital system but today's announcement seems to indicate it has downgraded the importance of the health system.
"There are some welcome initiatives regarding extra beds in the health plan but it is a case of mistaken priorities when a party can commit far more to a water canal than to improving the health system," he said.
"The canal appears to have got the cash instead of the health system.
"In December the Coalition was talking about $900 million but now they are talking about $441 million in new funding in a policy which is incredibly light on detail."
"Why has work on a new southern hospital been put back from the original plan to the point it is now only getting $5 million in funding in the first term of government? That is hardly enough to clear the ground.
"Where is the $100 million for the upgrade of Sir Charles Gairdner and Royal Perth hospitals which was promised?
"HSU members working in the state's hospitals are also very keen to know where the funding for extra staff is to man extra beds given there are workforce shortages that need to be addressed.
"They also want to know what the Coalition's commitments are regarding contracting out of health services and privatisation.
"It takes more than extra beds to ensure WA has a world-class hospital system and we look forward to further announcements very quickly to allow people to decide who has the best health policy." Mr Hill said.
Contact Details
Health Services Union of Australia
hsu@hsu.net.au
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