LABOR MISSTATES FACTS IN DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO CLING TO POWER

06-August-2010

Sophie Mirabella MP – Federal Member for Indi has refuted claims by Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon that the Wangaratta elective surgery upgrades and Wodonga Super Clinic will be at risk from an incoming Coalition Government.

“Contrary to Labor’s false accusations and ongoing fear campaign, the Coalition will retain and build on the capital expenditure measures for emergency departments and elective surgery in this year’s Budget. In fact, the Coalition will provide capital funding to expand existing public hospital and health facilities to accommodate 1,500 more beds than Labor, in addition to recurrent expenditure.

“In direct contrast to Labor’s claims that the Wodonga Super Clinic is at risk, the Coalition will honour commitments for the existing 36 GP Super Clinics Labor has promised, but failed to deliver – this includes the Wodonga GP super clinic,” said Mrs Mirabella.

“These are dishonest claims by a party that is scrambling in desperation and will do and say anything to keep their power and privilege. It’s becoming a common theme in this campaign for the Labor Party to deliberately misstate basic facts.

“While Labor are focused on party leaks and internal warfare, the Coalition has laid out a clear health and hospitals plan that will:
• Encourage more GP clinics to remain open after hours,
• Increase rebates for longer GP consultations,
• Provide $3.1 billion for 2,800 new public hospital beds– 1,500 more beds than under Labors plan,
• Fund the establishment and operation of community controlled public hospitals, and
• Provide $200 million for GP infrastructure grants," Mrs Mirabella concluded.