Queenslanders are a step closer to getting their surgery on time after the Queensland Parliament voted to keep the LNP’s Wait Time Guarantee policy.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said the LNP’s motion to ensure every patient is guaranteed their surgery within the clinically recommended time was passed by the Parliament with 45 votes in favour and 43 against.
“I think Queenslanders would be pleased to see the interests of patients being put before politics,” Mr Springborg said.
“With the vote clearly in favour of keeping the policy, it is now up to the Palaszczuk-Gordon Government to honour the direction provided by the Parliament.”
Mr Springborg said unfortunately the Health Minister was trying to weasel out of providing patients with a surgery guarantee by saying the motion wasn’t binding.
“I think Queenslanders would expect the Health Minister to respect the Parliament, particularly when members are voting on behalf of their constituents,” he said.
“Despite the Palaszczuk-Gordon Government promising to be a consultative government, it now seems they are thumbing their nose at Parliament.”
Mr Springborg said last night’s vote was a win for Queensland patients and proved Labor never had a mandate to abolish Australia’s first surgery wait time guarantee.
“There is no doubt this health policy will mean thousands of Queensland patients will receive their surgery on time, without lengthy waits,” he said.
“Only the LNP continues to be the true guardian and deliverer of free public health services in this state.”