The closure of the Phillip Kennedy Hospice at Largs Bay will be the first of many cuts in health services by the Weatherill Labor Government.
“The CEO of Southern Cross Care Andrew Larpent has made it quite clear the reasons for the closure were solely due to a ‘lack of commitment from the State Government’,” said Shadow Health Minister Rob Lucas.
“The Weatherill Government will be implementing health budget cuts of at least $1033 million over the next three years even though Mr Weatherill and Mr Snelling denied it during the election campaign.
“The Phillip Kennedy Hospice treats more than 300 patients per year and has been providing critical services for almost 30 years.
“When the Weatherill Government first tried to cut funding before the state election, there was a massive community campaign which forced the Government to defer its final decision until after the election.”
Just before the election, local Labor MP Susan Close opposed the closure:
“People living here need to be guaranteed that they can have palliative care at the Phillip Kennedy in those beds – where several generations have farewelled their loved ones.”
(“Hospice battle heats up, Portside Messenger, 2/10/2013, p3)
“Even though it has been announced as a 12-month extension, the government has promised that an(y) future decision will be made with the support of the community and I will be holding the government to account on that.”
(Protestors win battle to save Philip Kennedy Hospice, News.com.au)
“It is now time for Ms Close to prove those statements were not just made to win voter support before the election,” said Mr Lucas.