Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has labelled Andrew Constance a hypocrite after he failed to deliver a radiation therapy service for the Eurobodalla when in government.

“At no time when the Liberal Government was in government at both the state and federal level, when Mr Constance was the state member and a senior cabinet minister, did they ever advocate for, nor deliver a radiation therapy service for the Eurobodalla,” she said.

“In fact, even when the federal Liberal Government in April 2019 announced funding for regional radiation services including in the Eurobodalla, then announced in August 2020 applications were opening, no application was even made for a radiation therapy service. “

Mrs Phillips said, at no time did Constance take steps to ensure an application was submitted for a radiation therapy service for the Eurobodalla.

“What is even worse, and of hypocritical proportions, is that he simply gave up federal funding and gave up any hope for a radiation therapy service,” she said.

“While working on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, which also included his plans to close the Batemans Bay Hospital and Emergency Department, he didn’t lift one finger to fight for the addition of a much needed radiation therapy service.”

Mrs Phillips said Constance was playing politics with an important community facility and he was attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of vulnerable cancer patients and their families.

“It’s a bit rich of Andrew Constance, after himself failing to deliver a radiation therapy service, to be poo-poohing actual federal funding that I’ve secured and made sure remains available for a much-needed radiation therapy service,” she added.

“I’ve continued to work with our community, and advocate strongly through the Reid Report, instigated by Dr Michael Holland and the Minns Labor Government, for the absolute need for a Eurobodalla Radiation Therapy Service.

“His claims that I have been silent are complete and utter rubbish.

“I have had many positive conversations with the Federal Health Minister and Dr Michael Holland, about delivering the radiation therapy service for the Eurobodalla.

“We are continuing to work together for the best way to deliver the service, as opposed to Andrew Constance who failed to deliver, is all talk and just like Peter Dutton has nothing positive to contribute at all”.

Mrs Phillips knows the people of Eurobodalla desperately need the service.

“I will continue to push from every angle to make sure this service is delivered. I’m not letting this go,” she concluded.

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips continued her conversation about a radiotherapy service with Federal Health Minister Mark Butler during his recent visit to the Eurobodalla.

Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967