The Allan Labor Government has closed the free family accommodation at the Royal Women’s Hospital disadvantaging sick rural and regional women and parents of newborn babies in ICU.
Labor is planning to sell off the site for private development to help cover budget blowouts on city infrastructure projects and spiralling state debt.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath labelled Labor’s decision “callous”.
“This accommodation supported country Victorians attending the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne for life saving medical treatment.
“The closure is a sad reflection of Labor’s priorities, targeting women undergoing cancer treatment and families with babies in the ICU.
“Women living in rural and regional Victoria already experience disadvantage accessing healthcare and Labor’s decision adds another barrier.
“During a cost of living crisis my concern is women will choose to not undergo treatment because they simply cannot afford the cost of accommodation.”
Ms Bath said the unacceptable alternative offer from the Allan Government of a $45 accommodation rebate is woefully inadequate given the average overnight hotel cost in Melbourne is around $230.
“Labor’s decision to sell off the Royal Women’s Hospital accommodation exposes the dire state of the Victorian State budget and the Premier Jacinta Allan’s misaligned priorities.
“The cost of travel, medical tests and time off work financially disadvantages regional women and families – having somewhere safe and affordable is vital to their wellbeing.
“It speaks volumes that the Allan Government has no problem committing billions of dollars to projects like the Suburban Rail Loop instead of assisting vulnerable women from regional Victoria.
“Labor can’t manage money, and sick regional women and families are paying a hefty price.”
