Independent NSW MP and South Coast resident Justin Field has backed striking NSW nurses and midwives and called on the Perrottet Government to act to improve pay and staffing levels in our hospitals or face further electoral backlash across the South Coast.
Justin Field said, “I back our nurses and midwives. I back their claims for better pay and staffing levels in our hospitals and I back their strike action today.
“Premier Perrottet has acknowledged that inadequate regional health funding was part of the reason the Coalition lost Bega last weekend. Here is his chance to learn from that and act to increase pay rates to retain and attract health staff, improve nurse to patient ratios, and provide greater investment in hospital services, particularly in regional areas.
“Bega is just the start. The same issues are being faced in the Shoalhaven and across regional NSW. The Perrottet Government will face an electoral backlash in 2023 if they continue to ignore the need for greater investment in regional health and hospital services and their staff.
“I call on the Perrottet Government to acknowledge the amazing work our nurses and midwives have done during the pandemic, not just with words, but by acting to ensure fair pay and safe staffing ratios,” Justin Field said.
