JOB CUTS AND TAXES FUND WAITING LIST PROMISE

Media Release

More nurses losing their jobs, a big new tax or both are on their way for Queensland patients under the Newman Government’s latest con on hospital waiting lists, Shadow Health Minister Jo-Ann Miller warned today.

Mrs Miller said National Partnership Funding for health allocated by the previous Federal Labor Government, worth billions to Queensland, was set to end in 2015, which would have dire consequences on the state’s health budget.

She said Lawrence Springborg’s Clayton’s guarantee on hospital waiting times could only be delivered with increased state funding as the Abbott Government cuts bite.

“Cost neutral means more cuts from this arrogant LNP Government,” Mrs Miller said.

“While unemployment is higher than it was even during the GFC, Campbell Newman and the LNP are desperate for good news around the economy."

“The only way Lawrence Springborg’s Clayton’s promise can be delivered is through more cuts or a big new tax like Tony Abbott’s GP tax.”

Mrs Miller said Lawrence Springborg had already gained a reputation as Queensland’s Minister for Health Cuts and Closures.

“Putting aside the fact that someone waiting for an operation in Cairns shouldn’t be shipped to Brisbane away from their families or support network to undergo surgery, Lawrence Springborg needs to explain how this will be funded,” she said.

“Queensland Health has already been cut to the bone."

“Full time positions have been cut by 4800 including 1800 nurse and midwife jobs and $3 billion has been slashed from the health budget during this term of Government when you look at staff cuts and productivity dividends."

“The only way Lawrence Springborg can deliver this system of shifting the numbers is even more job cuts or a big new tax."

“Queenslanders deserve to know what the LNP is going to do after the election."

“How many job cuts are coming and what’s the big new tax Campbell Newman and the LNP have in store Queensland this time?”