6th May, 2025.
I speak in support of the Health Services Amendment (PPP Prohibition) Bill 2025. Firstly, my condolences go to the Massa family for the loss of their son Joe. It is a great shame when any life is lost, especially that of a child. Their strength has led to this change in the law. I am very supportive of the regulation and change of law that will stop the proposal for linking private and public hospitals in what was clearly a poorly thought-out policy that looked to save funds through public-private partnerships [PPPs]. During the same period as the discussion about those partnerships, the community in my area came together through a number of groups, including Public Health First, which was led by Edna and Peter. They fought to prevent Bowral Hospital being brought in line with the same plan. Bowral was due for an upgrade, and it was a potential candidate for a public-private partnership.
I remember the protests outside the hospital, with people on the back of trucks with loudspeakers. They protested against the PPP, saying it was not going to offer the best outcome—and how right they were. We were offered glossy new paint and new buildings, but the community held strong together. The Government not only caved in but also offered new buildings and more services. It is still a matter of contention for my community because we did not actually get the continuation of funding we were promised. We wanted a larger hospital with more services, not fewer. While the PPP was defeated, with a private hospital being built on a neighbouring block, the funding for the promises was cut, and we are now getting retrofits. We are in discussions with NSW Health to ensure that the clinical services plan will be written to take on board the growth that my area faces today.
The desire of the Government to provide services but avoid costs and responsibilities is what led to the PPP at the Northern Beaches Hospital. The bureaucrats recommended a cheaper option, but the cost of the lack of oversight has had dire consequences, as we now know. Public health should be seen as a matter of pride. Why both major parties in Australia do not compete to provide services like those in the United Kingdom is totally beyond me. I will always fight for health services like specialist workers and extra services for the region. Our hospital staff do so much. I fight as an Independent member, not only for my own area but for all others in New South Wales too. While no services are perfect, the terrible outcome for the Massa family should warn us all that saving money is not the major consideration when it comes to health. I thank the Government for working with the crossbench on the bill. With its support, we will not risk another PPP in the hospital system in the future.