The Minns Labor Government has once again left seniors behind in regional NSW by failing to provide an essential first aid device to a volunteer community centre on the Mid North Coast.
The Government denied a request for $1,800 to purchase and install an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Tinonee Memorial School of Arts Hall, despite the facility offering a range of activities for seniors in the region.
Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson wrote to the NSW Premier about the support, but received no reply before it was passed down the chain and later rejected by the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health.
Shadow Minister for Seniors Bronnie Taylor said the response is disappointing.
“It’s extremely concerning that the NSW Premier hasn’t taken this issue seriously and it just goes to show that this Labor Government is leaving our regional seniors behind,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Denying a request for a potentially life saving tool for a community centre that is frequented by seniors, speaks volumes about how out of touch this Government is.
“This is a slap in the face for seniors across the state, especially as we celebrate Seniors Week.”
Shadow Assistant Minister for Seniors and Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson has called on the Premier to reconsider the decision.
“The Tinonee Memorial School of Arts is at the heart of the community and the committee does incredible work to ensure the Hall continues to be accessible for a range of events, activities and community groups including the Tinonee Seniors Group, Mrs Thompson said.
“Having an AED on site would allow people to respond quickly in the event of a cardiac emergency and Premier Chris Minns needs to step up and provide the much-needed funding.”
