NUPE Not Wrong On Queen Mary Selloff

NUPE Not Wrong On Queen Mary Selloff

“The Canterbury District Health Board’s allegation that NUPE had its facts completely wrong on the proposed sale of the land at the former Queen Mary Hospital is itself wrong and shows a Board in full denial over our exposure of this part of its agenda to cut $30m from health spending in Canterbury”, said Nadine Marshall, Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE).

“NUPE’s statement that ‘the Board says the proceeds will go to other assets (such as a car parking building)’ is correct”,” said Nadine Marshall.

“NUPE’s statement that ‘the board is cutting $30m over three years and this is just another cut – you don’t sell the family silver to buy groceries’ is correct”, said Nadine Marshall. “

“NUPE’s statement that ‘the fight was for the future people of New Zealand and that New zealand needs this land in public ownership so that it is there when long term rehabilitation for addictions for alcohol and drugs again becomes seen as necessary’ is correct”, said Nadine Marshall.

“Interestingly at a well attended public meeting held last night in Christchurch a vote to campaign to keep the former Queen Mary land in public hands and a motion of no confidence in the Board were passed without opposition,” said Nadine Marshall. “The meeting also voted to establish a Campaign Committee with the purpose of reversing the bulk underfunding of Canterbury Health by the Government and the $30m health cuts decided on by the Board.”

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