That is the message from NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton this week as the submission period on her bill to split the Murrumbidgee Local Health District comes to a close.
Anyone wishing to have their say on the proposal for consideration in the inquiry must have it lodged by this close of business this Friday.
The inquiry was launched at the end of October, five months after Mrs Dalton’s Bill was referred.
It proposes to split the MLHD to form individual Murrumbidgee and Western Riverina health districts.
Mrs Dalton says the intention is to provide “locally based and planned healthcare”.
Southern Riverina’s communities are proposed to be included in the Western Riverina health district, which will cover Leeton to Balranald, also including Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Tocumwal, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein.
“The people of the Murray electorate deserve better. For far too long, the current health system, managed remotely by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District from Wagga Wagga, has failed to meet the needs of local communities,” Mrs Dalton said when speaking on the Bill in Parliament.
“The time has come for meaningful change, and that change should begin with the creation of the Western Riverina Local Health District.
“This is not about bureaucracy or boundaries; it is about lives, families and communities left behind by a system that does not understand their needs because it is being run hundreds of kilometres away.
“Decisions about health services in Murray are being made by people who do not live or work here, and do not see the day-to-day challenges that our hospitals and clinics face.”
MLHD and the NSW Government have been running a campaign countering Mrs Dalton’s arguments, with MLHD saying “evidence shows splitting the district would cost more, deliver less, and put services at risk”.
But Mrs Dalton says the “real life” experiences she’s hearing tell a different story.
“It tells of missed appointments, overworked doctors and critical services slipping through the cracks,” Mrs Dalton said.
“It tells of patients having to travel long distances for treatment and communities feeling ignored and under-resourced. That is the reality on the ground.
“Opponents of the Western Riverina Local Health District say it will duplicate services.
“But this is not about duplication; it is about distribution and equity. It is about giving Murray its fair share of the health care pie, instead of leaving our communities to rely on decisions made elsewhere.
“Bringing decision-making closer to home is exactly how we attract and retain healthcare workers. Professionals are more likely to move to and stay in communities where they feel heard, valued and supported.
“That is what the Western Riverina local health district would offer.”
Turn to page 8 of today’s edition to learn more about how to make a submission, or click here.
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