Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today tabled the rural health services petition in the NSW Parliament, having attracted more than 10,000 signatures, and more still coming from the community.
Monday, 19 September 2022
HAVING now secured more than 10,000 signatures from right across the region, a jubilant Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today tabled the rural health services petition in State Parliament.
The electorate-wide community petition calls on the NSW Parliament to split the Hunter New England Health District, directly employ doctors in rural hospitals and dramatically increase nursing numbers.
More than 10,000 signatures have been collected on the petition, with Mr Marshall saying hundreds more are rolling in each day.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming and demonstrates just how important the issue of quality health services is for people of all ages across our region,” Mr Marshall said.
“I wish to thank every single one of the more than 10,000 people who have put pen to paper on this petition so far – you are helping to create the change we need.
“I decided to table the petition earlier than anticipated, due to the fact we passed the required 10,000 signatures and to ensure we get plenty of time to debate it on the floor of Parliament before the end of the year.
“Every signature is still hugely important though and I’m urging people who haven’t shown their support already, to make sure they sign it over the coming fortnight – your signature still counts and will add much weight to the push for reform and change in the way health services are delivered in our region.
“The groundswell of dissent clearly demonstrates to the government that this is a burning issue for many in our region and that we won’t rest until we are heard and changes made.
“Today’s revelation that we’ve had no obstetrics cover since Friday is another example of something seriously wrong which must be rectified.
“The momentum is building and I am confident that with good old fashioned ‘people-power’ we can save our rural health system and support and bolster our had-working local health staff
The petition is still available in all local council administration centres and local businesses in every town across the region. It can also be signed in the MP’s office at Moree and Armidale. Copies of the petition can also be posted or emailed, and you can request that by calling the Electorate office on 6772 5552.
The petition debate should occur in State Parliament next month.