LNP Queensland

THE Beattie-Bligh Government today claimed it was a great supporter of mothers and babies despite closing about 30 maternity wards across Queensland.

LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Health Minister Mark McArdle said he was disappointed by the Premier’s boast today that she was now a friend to expectant mothers throughout Queensland, especially when mothers in rural and remote areas had to travel long distances for maternity services.

Mr McArdle said there was little doubt the Beattie-Bligh Government had talked about supporting mothers and babies during its decade in government but it occurred at a time when maternity wards were being cut.

"The Premier’s new boast is a clear case of gilding the lily. There are still large areas throughout Queensland that are not covered by any maternity, or midwifery services," Mr McArdle said.

"Mothers who do not have the appropriate local maternity health care are sometimes forced to travel for many hours just to see a doctor."

 "Women who travel in labour risk having accidents, or giving birth in transit. If these sorts of complications occur and there is no doctor to give the appropriate clinical treatment, there are significant risks for mother and newborn child," he said.

 "If the Premier is trying to re-invent the Beattie-Bligh Government as a new friend to expectant mothers across Queensland, she will need to open the purse and put a fair bit of time in the diary to travel around Queensland opening up some of the same maternity wards she helped close."