Liberal Party NSW
Connect with the NSW Liberals
  • Our Team
    • State Liberals
    • Meet Mark Speakman
    • Federal Liberals
    • Meet Peter Dutton
  • Our Party
    • Our Structure
    • Our Beliefs
    • Our History
    • Our Leaders
    • Join Our Party
    • Friends of the Liberal Party
    • Liberal Women's Council
    • NSW Young Liberals
  • News
    • State News
    • Federal News
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
  • Volunteer
  • Members' Login
Join Donate

Health budget at risk from labor promises to unions

14 September 2023
Share this
Related Articles

The Opposition has warned that spiralling costs as a result of the Minns Labor Government’s union wage deals are risking future investment in state’s health system, with the Health Minister refusing to rule out cuts to the Coalition’s record health funding.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman reiterated the Liberals’ and Nationals’ record investment in health and stressed the importance of Budget management to ensuring health services aren’t put at risk.
 
Under the Liberals and Nationals:

  • The recurrent health budget was increased by 98.3% (more than $30 billion).
  • The capital budget was increased by 209% (almost $3 billion).
  • More than 180 new or significantly upgraded hospitals and health facilities across NSW were completed, with more than 130 other projects commenced and underway now.
  • The NSW health workforce was increased by nearly 30,000 full time staff (from 98,5000 under the previous Labor Government to approximately 127,000 at the conclusion of the previous Coalition Government).

“Our investment was made possible because we had control of the Budget and could manage public sector wages. It’s becoming increasingly clear that next week’s Budget will be completely compromised by out-of-control wage increases as a result of Labor’s deals with their union mates,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The Premier, Treasurer and Health Minister can’t tell us how they’re funding their ‘additional investment’ and are refusing to rule out potential cuts in next week’s Budget. Chris Minns needs to commit to not cutting a cent of our record $33 billion health investment which was to deliver an additional 10,000 health workers.”
 
Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean said a big question mark over the health budget is the ongoing stand-off with the state’s paramedics.
 
“The threat of more industrial action continues to linger over this government. The Health Services Union rightfully expect Chris Minns to keep his word and deliver on his promise of a huge pay rise,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The bill for Labor’s deal with the unions has so far reached at least $4 billion, and it’s only going to increase, which means more pressure on the health budget which will compromise front line services.”

Related Articles: #Health

Labor Abandons Regional Health Services

Labor Abandons Regional Health Services

The Labor Government today rejected the opportunity to provide relief and certainty for GP clinics across NSW.

25 August 2023

Ryan park flags budget health cuts

Ryan park flags budget health cuts

The Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to guarantee health funding after they again refused to rule out cuts in the upcoming Budget.

24 August 2023

Opposition calls on Labor not to sack 1100 nurses

Opposition calls on Labor not to sack 1100 nurses

The Health Minister has today cast doubt over the futures of 1,100 nurses funded by the former Coalition Government’s record health spend.

24 August 2023

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

Privacy Policy

Liberal Party NSW