MEMBER for Orange Andrew Gee is not supporting the paramedic petition but will facilitate its presentation to Parliament if sufficient signatures are obtained.
When asked yesterday why he attended the launch of the petition if he did not support the concept, Mr Gee replied: “I am the member for Orange.”
He said he did not believe the statistics stacked up to show there was a shortage of paramedics, following consultation with the Ambulance Service of NSW and information provided by the office of NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner.
“I am, however, happy for my constituents to sign the petition if they so desire,” Mr Gee said.
He believes a new state government initiative, announced by Ms Skinner, to set up a separate non-urgent transport system for patients will take the load off paramedics.
“That was one of their major concerns when I met with them and I believe that is now being addressed,” he said.