Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed the new Federal-State Health Package but believes NSW Health could still be headed for the Emergency Ward.
Mr O’Dea speaks with some experience. He was a Non-Executive Director of a major health fund for 14 years and understands the importance of a well-funded health system with an appropriate balance between public and private health.
“I am pleased the new reform package adopts a more localised approach to the delivery of health services,” Mr O’Dea said.
“It’s a policy the NSW Liberals and Nationals has been advocating for a year. Local Health District boards should be a more effective means for delivering health services and meeting local demand,” he said.
“However, while the new health reforms appear to address various public health issues, I am concerned Federal Labor’s attempts to reduce private health insurance rebates will result in further strain on the public hospital system.
“The impact could ultimately counter the benefits of additional funding offered by the Federal Government,” Mr O’Dea said.
“There is also a danger the increased public resources will continue to be mismanaged by a State Labor Government with a poor record on delivering positive health outcomes.
“For example, NSW Labor has repeatedly promised a new Northern Beaches Hospital but failed to deliver,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Its list of failures demonstrates NSW Labor’s inability to effectively deliver on health, even with increased Federal funding,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
