Members of the Goulburn community have approached me with news that the Goulburn Urgent Care Service will shut its doors on 30 June 2025 – just weeks after it was used an example on a glossy brochure of Kristy McBain’s proclaimed achievements heading into the federal election.
The service was heavily promoted by Labor and the Urgent Care facilities has been a key pillar of the Albanese election campaign. Ms McBain appeared in social media videos and distributed printed materials boasting that she had delivered urgent care to the Goulburn region, but in fact, this was an NSW state contracted service.
Now, it’s heading towards closure – and not because the community doesn’t need it, but because NSW Health has failed to secure a contract that allows the service to be run sustainably.
The very model promoted by Labor to take pressure off hospitals emergency departments, has driven up the demand for doctors. This means that providers can’t meet their pay requirements, and makes it impossible to staff these services.
When I approached the provider to clarify what support has been provided – noting that the service has been closed on a number of occasions due to staffing – it was clear to me that they have been gagged and that no comment can be made until after the federal election.
The closure of the service sends a clear message: regional communities like Goulburn are not a priority for the Labor government once the election is over – yet again.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 