On 21 November, 2025, the Legislative Assembly clerk announced that a paper petition signed by 500 or more persons had been lodged for presentation. A Petition requesting that the Legislative Assembly call on the Government to increase the levels of nurse staffing, administration support and security provision in the emergency department at Parkes Hospital.
NSWNMA Parkes Hospital branch delegate Tania Elsley said “The submission of our petition to parliament is the first step in making our state aware of our fear and safety concerns and then responsible for funding the changes needed. Parliament and State Health are responsible for providing what is required for our town’s local public hospital. They are no longer “unaware”.”
“If our town wants our local hospital to deliver appropriate and safe care, community support needs to continue until we see improvement. Sadly if we stop being visible and vocal then people assume it has happened. This includes our local council pursuing this on our behalf as it affects their families the same as our own.” said Tania.
Phil Donato MP said “I have been in routine contact with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association area organiser, with whom I have regularly discussed challenges experienced by the branch members concerning the Parkes Hospital on 7th April 2025 I met with Parkes branch members, who first raised with me issues concerning nursing staff shortages, system improvements, and the need for dedicated security staff around the clock. Following that meeting, I made formal written representations to the Minister for Health regarding staffing, and I also tabled a question on notice regarding the issue of hospital security.”
The Health Minister’s written response is due by Friday 26 December 2025. Once the Minister’s written response is received, it will be publicly viewable on the following link: https://shorturl.at/fBw7r