Tamworth in Parliamentary spotlight during first question time

Tuesday, 03 May 2011 00:00

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today, on his second day in NSW Parliament and during his first question time, rose to his feet to question the health minister.

During an animated question time Mr Anderson asked new NSW Minister for Health Jillian Skinner for an update on the Tamworth Hospital redevelopment.

Mrs Skinner first congratulated the new The Nationals' Member for Tamworth on his win in the March 26 election.

Mrs Skinner told the parliament the NSW Government had today secured funding for the Tamworth Hospital redevelopment following the NSW Liberals and Nationals $100 million election commitment.

"This is a promise the Member for Tamworth and I first made in 2006, standing in front of the Tamworth Hospital when he was a candidate," she said.

"On March 1st of this year, when the local Member Kevin Anderson and I last visited Tamworth Hospital, we signed our life away to prove our commitment to the Tamworth Community.

"The next day, the local paper had a headline 'signed guarantee' – I hope tomorrow's headline reads 'guarantee delivered'.

"We hit the ground running on this because we are committed to improving patient care, delivering on our promises and providing better regional health infrastructure.

"Mr Anderson and I again visited the Tamworth Hospital this morning and had the opportunity to talk to the very hard working clinical staff of the hospital.

"And today, the Federal Labor Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the project was only being delivered because of the stronger commitment we made to fund the hospital – because of the hard work of Mr Anderson."

Mr Anderson said that he promised the people of the Tamworth electorate a strong voice in government.

"Today was the start of honouring that commitment and delivering on the promises made during the election campaign."

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