The recent unveiling of parking rates at Campbelltown Hospital is “disgraceful” and “insulting to patients, their families and staff” according to the Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP.

The recent upgrades at Campbelltown Hospital came with concerns that the NSW Government planned to introduce paid parking at our local hospital.

“This is just another way for the NSW Liberal Government to take more money out of the pockets of hardworking staff at Campbelltown Hospital as well as the patients and their families utilising this critical institution” said Dr Freelander.

The Member for Macarthur calls on the Berejiklian Government to reverse this decision, stating “this hospital is poorly served by public transport and parking spaces are only ever used by those needing to visit the hospital; there is no need for paid parking here whatsoever.”

With increasing wait times, decreasing affordability of medical procedures and concerns regarding accessibility to GP services, Dr Freelander notes that this is just another example of the NSW Liberal Government’s failure to lead when it comes to healthcare.

“Time and time again we are reminded of the neglectful attitude this Government has towards the hardworking people of South Western Sydney and their ability to reap every dollar they can from the sick, the working and the concerned.”

Paid parking will likely also have implications on surrounding business, with cafes and restaurants surely affected with former patrons now needing to reduce their spending to save funds simply to park a car at the hospital.   

‘I find this paid parking scheme insulting considering the hard work and tireless efforts of our medical personnel during COVID-19, who have already had their wages frozen and now will have to pay to go to work.’

Dr Freelander has written to the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, calling on her Government to reverse this decision and provide unpaid parking to the staff, patients, and visitors of Campbelltown Hospital.