Health Minister in TI
A tour of Torres Strait islands by Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson will not end a threat by nurses to pull out of the region if they are not provided adequate security.
Mr Robertson has been under immense pressure over his handling of the security concerns, which were raised after the alleged rape of a nurse on Mabuiag Island early last month.
The Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) has set a March 28 deadline for Queensland Health to address a range of security problems.
Work is yet to be completed on broken locks on housing on Murray Island, broken windows in the clinic on Horn Island and security lighting on Badu Island.
If nurses` concerns are not met by March 28, nurses will start leaving their posts and would provide only a fly-in, fly-out service, the QNU has told the government.
A spokesman for Mr Robertson said the minister was today visiting a number of islands in the region today to inspect progress on security improvements.
QNU secretary Gay Hawksworth welcomed Mr Robertson`s visit, and said she hoped it would accelerate the work being done by QBuild to repair and improve health facilities.
"Quite clearly he`ll be able to talk to the nurses direct, and I think that`s a good move, so I`m very happy that he has gone today," Ms Hawksworth said.
However, the minister`s trip does not change the union`s threat to withdraw services.
"The deadline is still the 28th of March," Ms Hawksworth said.
"We have another meeting next Tuesday afternoon to get a further progress report."
The union fears maintenance work will cease over the Easter long weekend, with QBuild workers possibly flying home to be with their families.
"Hopefully work will continue because there is a fair bit to do," Ms Hawksworth said.
Premier Anna Bligh said the minister`s trip was aimed at ensuring the work is completed as soon as possible.
"He has been working to ensure that QBuild tradespeople are available to go into the Torres Strait," Ms Bligh told reporters in Brisbane.
"Today he`s up there talking with his staff about the progress of that program. He is taking this issue very seriously."
Opposition health spokesman John-Paul Langbroek accused Mr Robertson of acting too slowly on the issue.
"After two weeks of fumbling and denials, the minister has been dragged kicking and screaming to go and see the problems first hand," Mr Langbroek said.
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Health minister Stephen Robertson.
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