Wyong Hospital parking update
October 15, 2019
On September 19 the NSW Parliament debated the introduction of parking fees at Wyong Hospital. This debate was triggered by the tabling of over 10,000 signatures opposed to paid parking at our public hospitals.
Thanks to the support of the HSU NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.
As a result of the debate the Government finally agreed to review its policy.
This is a positive step but we need to keep the pressure on until this government reverses its decision to introduce paid parking for the first time at Wyong Hospital.
I recently spoke in parliament about our campaign to stop the introduction of paid parking at Wyong Hospital.
“In 2017 I stood with the Central Coast community and union movement to stop the NSW Liberal Government selling Wyong Hospital. Before being elected I worked at Wyong Hospital for 10 years so I understand its importance to our community.
“The strength of the community’s campaign gave the NSW Government no choice but to back away from its plans. Unfortunately the NSW Liberals have not completely backed away from their user-pays private partnership approach to running hospitals.
“At Gosford Hospital the Government has entered a five-year lease with Secure which will earn profits of $1.9 million from the health workers and patients of the Coast.
“Wyong Hospital has NEVER charged for parking. It has limited public transport which forces staff, patients and visitors to drive. At Gosford Hospital staff are now paying over $1200 a year and visitors $19.90 per day or $6.70 an hour.
“This is more than John Hunter Hospital and Gosford Private.
“I absolutely oppose parking fees at Wyong Hospital. We have now gathered another 5000 signatures and community members are still adding their names to the petition.
“I will keep campaigning to oppose the introduction of parking fees at Wyong Hospital and I call upon the NSW Liberal Government to reverse this decision and ensure free parking at Wyong Hospital.”
#wewontpay #whoreallycaresfortecoast