Outrage over unfunded nurses plan by former government

Local MPs – from Camden to Liverpool – have joined the angry response to revelations the former government had failed to fund almost 120 nurses in South Western Sydney beyond 2024-25.

They would have been among 1,112 unfunded nurses across NSW.

“We are facing rapid population growth in the South West, particularly in Leppington, and it’s clear the public health system in South Western Sydney is already under pressure following 12 years of underinvestment,’’ said the Member for Leppington, Nathan Hagarty.

“Now the neglect is clear to see as the former Coalition government planned to sack 119 nurses in the South West Sydney Local Health District, further limiting our struggling health system.”

His criticism was echoed by the Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda, another newly elected MP.

“Nurses in Liverpool have been telling us they are under incredible pressure for years, so this revelation by the former treasurer beggars belief,’’ Ms Kaliyanda said.

“It shows that they had no care for the residents of South Western Sydney.

“The fact they planned to axe 119 nurses from our region is proof that they had no understanding of just how important these nurses are in servicing our fast growing region – they were asleep at the wheel.

“South Western Sydney is one of the largest and busiest health districts in the country. Having to absorb the impact of this puts further pressure on already at capacity staff.

“It’s unfair to these hardworking men and women who are at the frontline of caring for our community.’’

Long serving Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong said he was shocked by the revelation.

“Everyone I speak to in Macquarie Fields already knows health services in South Western Sydney are under extreme pressure,’’ he said.

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said he was concerned the former government’s unfunded plan for nurses in the South Western Sydney health district will have a significant impact on Campbelltown and our region.

“At a time when our health system is under immense pressure, the previous government’s plan to axe 119.2 nurses in the region was both reckless and irresponsible,” he said.