Gareth Ward, Member for Kiama, has made a significant move in parliament today by presenting his second reading speech on the David Berry Hospital Amendment (Prohibition of Sale) Bill 2024. The purpose of this bill is to amend the David Berry Hospital Act 1906, specifically to prevent the sale or disposal of the lands upon which the David Berry Hospital is situated.

"This bill is straightforward and should be straightforward to support. It aims to amend the David Berry Hospital Act 1906 to prohibit the sale or disposal of the hospital lands," stated Mr. Ward.

Highlighting Labor's commitment to safeguarding essential assets for the people of NSW, Mr. Ward emphasised the historical and communal significance of David Berry Hospital, originally gifted to the people of Berry by the Berry family. "My community strongly desires to preserve it as such," Ward added.

Expressing his exhaustive efforts to protect the hospital, Mr. Ward noted, "I've pursued various avenues—from Questions on Notice to direct appeals—yet presenting this bill remains my last recourse to ensure the perpetual protection of this site."

Mr. Ward also criticised the opposition for failing to definitively oppose the hospital's sale despite numerous opportunities to do so. "It would be inconsistent for any government claiming to oppose privatisation to disregard this bill or not definitively rule out the hospital's sale," he asserted.

In a call to action, Mr. Ward invited concerned Berry residents to a Public Meeting on Saturday, 20th July 2024, at 2 pm, at the Uniting Church Hall on North Street, Berry. The meeting will feature Dr. Phil Lee, a leading advocate in palliative care, as the keynote speaker.

For further details, Mr. Ward's full speech can be accessed here