Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Mid-West, Shane Love MLA, has slammed the Cook Labor Government for failing to restore maternity services in Carnarvon, revealing that 259 families have been forced to travel hundreds of kilometres away from home to give birth.
Since the “temporary” closure of maternity services in February 2022, Carnarvon families have been diverted to Geraldton, Perth, and even Busselton, and the State Government has spent more than $1.7 million on travel and accommodation, instead of investing in solutions to reopen services.
“Carnarvon is the largest community in the Gascoyne, yet for more than 1,300 days, it has been impossible to give birth here,” Mr Love said.
“WA Labor promised this would be a temporary closure — but over three years later, families are still being forced to leave their homes and support networks during one of the most important times of their lives.”
Mr Love said the Government had failed the community by allowing the situation to drag on without a plan or timeframe for restoration.
“It is an absolute disgrace that in a State as wealthy as Western Australia, women between Geraldton and Karratha cannot access maternity services close to home,” Mr Love said.
“Instead of spending millions flying families out of Carnarvon, the Government should be investing in regional workforce attraction and retention so that maternity services can be properly staffed and reopened.”
Last election, The Nationals WA vowed to restore maternity services at Carnarvon Hospital within the first 100 days if they formed Government, and Mr Love said the WA Country Health Service board would be held accountable.
“Reopening maternity services is entirely achievable — the only thing missing is the political will,” Mr Love said.
“WA deserves a Country Health Service that actually cares about regional people. Carnarvon families deserve nothing less.”
