Greens MP Ian Cohen today thanks the 7,467 north coast residents who signed petitions to the NSW Parliament requesting that the long awaited radiotherapy facility in Lismore be fast tracked.
The petitions have been rolling in over the last two months and have been presented repeatedly by Ian Cohen in the Upper House.
“The pre-election Labor trump card of an additional $7 million promised to fast track the radiotherapy facility at Lismore Base Hospital is a victory for people power,” said Mr Cohen.
“The federal funding pledge means that the community should have an operational unit by the end of 2009 should Kevin Rudd win this election, or by June 2010 should the Coalition be returned – either way it won’t come soon enough for families affected by cancer.
“I have been moved by the number of people contacting my office and demanding action on this issue.
“The author, chef and television presenter Belinda Jeffrey made a moving testimonial at Byron’s public meeting which inspired me to read her speech out in the Legislative Council.
“Access to quality health care is a human rights issue. Women are suffering from the tyranny of distance on the north coast, with many experiencing great difficulties accessing treatment remote from their homes. Still others forego radiotherapy altogether as long distance travel is not an option for them.
“The Coalition still have time to match or better Labor’s pledge and they should do so – this is quite clearly an issue that deserves bi-partisan support.
“The community has worked hard to ensure that politicians have gotten the message that Lismore urgently needs a radiotherapy unit and I would like to congratulate everyone who has lobbied the state and federal governments, attended public meetings and signed petitions – your message has been heard!
“Clearly the megaphone of marginal seat politics hasn’t hurt the cause either,” said Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
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