Council
25 July, 2024
Tehan: Health, cost of living among the biggest issues
THE protection of local health services and soaring power costs are significant concerns within the community, according to a local MP.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan hosted a listening post in Terang last week during a visit to the region, giving members of the community an opportunity to raise their concerns and help guide advocacy efforts.
Mr Tehan said adequate health care systems were vital to the community, and recent uncertainty surrounding rumoured amalgamations and budget cuts were weighing heavily on the public.
“People are very, very fearful that the board is going to be sacked, the chief executive officer is going to be replaced and we’ll see our local health services amalgamated with Geelong,” he said.
“They don’t want that to happen and are very clear on that – they think it will be a disaster.
“They want the board to stay here, the chief executive officer to stay here and the services to stay here.
“There’s a great fear in the community surrounding what the Victorian Government is looking to do with health services, and I’ve been very clear we will fight any amalgamations, any sackings, any cuts to service.”
Mr Tehan, who last week also spoke at a ‘Future of our Health’ forum in Warrnambool, said there were plans for a public protest and march to send a clear message the community wants local health services to remain local.
“A big protest march sends a loud and clear message that no one wants mergers, no one wants cuts,” he said.
“There are members of the community looking to set a date as to when that rally will take place, so we can send a loud and clear message to the State Government – hands off our hospitals.”
Mr Tehan said another big concern had been rising power costs, which was impacting businesses and households alike.
“People have seen their gas bills go up, we’ve had one example of someone who is getting charged more after having solar added rather than less,” he said.
“People cannot understand what is happening with energy costs which keep going up and up and up.
“It’s hurting businesses and people with their household budgets, and there seems to be no stop to it.”
Mr Tehan said he planned to speak with representatives of both state and federal governments to advocate for solutions.
“Their policies aren’t working and aren’t reducing energy costs – they’re doing the opposite,” he said.
“We’re hearing more and more stories from elderly people in our community having to go to bed or sit at night with coats and beanies on because they cannot afford to put their heaters on.
“Businesses have expressed concern the cost of power could make the business unviable – before they start a day they’re looking at weekly power bills from $300-$500 so something has to be done to get energy prices down.
“This will continue to be a key focus for the Coalition moving forward because the cost of energy is adding to our cost of living crisis, and the cost of living crisis.
“Something has to be done.”
Read More: Terang