Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong MP, has vowed to vigorously fight the Baird Liberal Government’s downgrade of the Macquarie Fields ambulance station, and expressed concerns that people’s lives would be put at risk as a result.

“The Baird Liberal Government’s cutting of services in our local area is out of control. Where will it end? On top of the closure of the motor registry offices in Ingleburn and Campbelltown and the sale of the Hurlstone Farm, our ambulance station at Macquarie Fields will be downgraded and may face eventual closure.

“This is completely unacceptable. Saving lives is not negotiable,” Mr Chanthivong said, adding that he had requested an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner MP, to raise his concerns.

“I do not believe for one minute that a person requiring urgent medical care in our community would be better serviced by a downgraded station at Macquarie Fields or a ‘superstation’ based at Liverpool 20 minutes away. It’s complete and utter hogwash. Paramedics should be saving lives, not dodging traffic,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“What’s more, with our community continuing to grow, the Macquarie Fields ambulance station requires more resources – not less. When will the Baird Liberal Government stop the sell-off?

“I strongly oppose the decision to downgrade the Macquarie Fields ambulance station because our community will suffer as a result. Paramedics at local stations know the local roads and they know the community they serve. Response times are vital to saving lives.

“Our community deserves better. The fight continues for our fair share,” Mr Chanthivong said.