SA LABOR SAYS YES – BUT NSW LABOR SAYS NO TO LIFESAVING DEFIB BILL

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has slammed NSW Labor for opposing a bill that will save lives. 

Mr Ward said he was particularly appalled that the Member for Bega, a medical practitioner who swore an oath to do no harm, lead the debate for Labor opposing the bill. 

“Let’s be clear, NSW Labor would rather play politics than save lives. Their comments in the second reading debate were appalling with the Member for Bega reflecting on my albinism saying I was ‘white noise’. 

“Yet another offensive and ableist comment about people with disabilities from Labor. The Member for Bega joins the Prime Minister and Premier in that regard.  

“SA Labor and all parties in the South Australian Parliament supported similar legislation. In NSW, Labor have not only limited access to defibrillators based on post code, but now they will oppose a bill that could prevent, on average 3,800 deaths that occur due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. 

“That’s several times higher than the national road toll. 

“Like fire extinguishers, defibs should be in all public buildings to save lives. 

“I thank my cross-bench colleagues who have offered their support and I look forward to a vote on the bill,” Mr Ward concluded.