Video: Maitland to Receive Urgent Care Clinic Under Dutton Coalition Government Promise

27 February 2025

newy.com.au – A Dutton Coalition Government has pledged to establish a new Urgent Care Clinic in Maitland, ensuring improved access to critical primary healthcare services for the Paterson community.

This commitment, secured by Liberal candidate for Paterson, Laurence Antcliff, comes amid concerns that Maitland has been neglected under Labor’s healthcare strategy. According to Antcliff, while nearby electorates such as Hunter, Shortland, and Newcastle have received Urgent Care Clinics, Paterson has been left behind.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, stated that this initiative demonstrates the Coalition’s dedication to delivering essential services to the region. “From critical healthcare commitments like today’s announcement to standing up for small businesses and skills, Laurence Antcliff is already proving his dedication to Paterson. He will be a strong voice for this community in Canberra,” Ley said.

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, criticised Labor’s handling of Medicare, noting that the GP bulk billing rate has plummeted from 88% under the previous Coalition government to 77% under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership. Ruston claimed this decline has made it significantly harder and more expensive for Australians to see a GP, with an estimated 1.5 million people avoiding medical visits last financial year due to cost concerns.

Antcliff accused the current Labor government of failing to deliver for Paterson, stating, “Labor has had three years to secure an Urgent Care Clinic for our community, but they have done nothing. Instead of addressing the issue, the Labor candidate is petitioning her own government while the Mayor of Maitland plays politics. Paterson deserves better than this.”

On social media, Independent candidate for Paterson, Philip Penfold said: “We now have all 3 main candidates committing their support for this. Disappointed that ALP/Lib haven’t seen fit to back the people of Port Stephens with one also, though it’s a start. As a key independent on the coming hung parliament / minority government I’ll hold both to account to make this happen.”