Media Release: 23 March 2010

Debate shows Abbott has no stance on health

The Australian Nursing Federation said the prime minister won the health debate today because he focused on issues and solutions.

But federal secretary Ged Kearney said she was disappointed with the healthcare debate contribution by Opposition leader Tony Abbott this afternoon.

“The prime minister spoke about the need for improvement in the healthcare sector,” she said.

“Mr Rudd spoke about real issues facing real people. He spoke about a need for more nurses and doctors and better services under his proposed reform agenda.”

“It is vital that we act now to ensure future Australians, including the elderly, get the care they require.”

But Ms Kearney said Mr Abbott had little of substance to say.

“Although it can be difficult to have a clear policy while in opposition, Mr Abbott could have made more effort at a meaningful contribution.”

“Tony Abbott refused to put forward any real health policies of his own. Throughout the debate a tense opposition leader said very little about how he would solve health sector issues.”

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The ANF, with 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.