Labor MP for Maitland Jenny Aitchison demanded NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard immediately drop his plans to privatise Maitland Hospital – in light of Central Coast developments.

Last night (July 5) the Liberals and Nationals quietly dropped their privatisation plans for Wyong Hospital, but have still put their government on course to privatise the Maitland Hospital.

This is completely unfair to the families and patients in the Maitland community.

The community view in Maitland is absolutely clear. The people of Maitland have taken unprecedented action against the public-private partnership model. They have attended rallies and public meetings and there will be a debate in Parliament on 14 September 2017 triggered by a petition signed by more than 10,000 people.

Ms Aitchison said the State Government dropped the privatisation of Goulburn Base Hospital on October 20, 2016 and Wyong Hospital on July 5, 2017.

In September 2016, the previous Liberal Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced that there would be privatisations at Goulburn, Shellharbour, Bowral, Wyong and Maitland hospitals.

Since their election in 2011, the Liberals and Nationals have privatised $50 billion worth of public assets including electricity assets and Land and Property Information agency. However, they have not poured their windfall into projects, programs or services.

Comments attributable to Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP:

“I urge the State Government to listen to the community and drop the Maitland privatisation plans immediately.”

“The community view is absolutely clear. Maitland does not want a privatised hospital.

“Maitland believes that your medicare card should determine your health care rather than your credit card.