Under the Albanese Labor Government’s watch, the private hospital sector has been brought to its knees and expectant mothers are paying the price.
Today, Healthscope has announced the closure of its maternity wards in Darwin and Hobart, which is a devastating blow for local families.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said that Australia’s expectant mothers are being failed by the Albanese Government.
“Critical maternity services are disappearing at an alarming rate, as Labor refuses to take action,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“Minister Butler commissioned a ‘private hospital financial health check’ almost a year ago now, and yet he has done nothing in response but watch the situation further deteriorate.
“The Minister’s lack of action is the equivalent of diagnosing a patient with an illness and then doing nothing to treat them.
“It’s time the Government stands up for expectant mothers and their access to essential healthcare, and outlines how they will respond to this escalating issue.”
Expectant mothers need immediate certainty. We congratulate the leadership of Lia Finocchiaro and Jeremy Rockliff who are working to secure alternative arrangements for expecting families.
However, the Albanese Government must urgently explain what action they are taking to ensure women and their babies are not left without essential care.
The Albanese Government must work to support families in Hobart and Darwin until a permanent solution is secured.
ENDS
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