Liberals call out alarming rise in violence against hospital workers under Labor
Mark Speakman
NSW Liberal Leader
Kellie Sloane
Shadow Minister for Health
Serena Copley
Liberal for Kiama
The NSW Liberals have slammed the NSW Labor Government for a shocking increase in assaults against hospital workers.
The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District has seen a 62% increase in physical aggression incidents against health workers over four years. Across our state non-alcohol related assaults in hospitals is up nearly 150% since Labor took office in 2023.
NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said that the figures are shocking.
“Violence in our hospitals has surged under Labor, no one should have to go to work fearing being kicked, spat on, or attacked with weapons, least of all our frontline health workers,” Mr Speakman said.
“This is direct result of Labor’s neglect of our health system, where it is becoming harder for people to have safe and timely access to healthcare. We’re also seeing mass resignations from psychiatrists and strikes that are crippling our hospital system. Labor shouldn’t be rewarded for this.”
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that this violence is putting staff at risk and undermining patient care.
“In Government, the NSW Liberals introduced laws equating assaults on health and emergency workers to assaults on police with penalties of up to 7 years jail. We’re demanding the NSW Government act and outline their plan to keep staff and patients safe,” Ms Sloane said.
“Long waits in emergency departments and a broken mental health system are pushing hospitals to the brink. The NSW Labor Government has no plan to keep our staff safe and no plan to fix the crisis.”
Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley said local hospitals are being left exposed.
“Families in our region are facing longer waits and fewer staff because health workers are being driven out of the system. Labor has neglected the South Coast and locals deserve better.”
“I’ll be a strong voice in the NSW Liberal team that stands up for our local healthcare workers and fights to deliver better access to our hospitals for locals.
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