The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) stands in solidarity with the Gomeroi people in their fight for land rights and opposition of the expansion of fossil fuel extraction in Narrabri, on Gomeroi land.
NSWNMA Acting General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said nurses and midwives will always proudly advocate for real action on climate change.
“Nurses and midwives truly understand the impacts of climate change; the impact on our personal health, the health of our communities and the health of our land and water,” Mr Whaites said.
“We see our members, and their communities, affected by extreme weather events – through heatwaves, drought, fires, and floods, which are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. Within health services, we see an increase in illness, injury and death from these extreme weather events.
“As health professionals, nurses and midwives have a responsibility to educate the community about the health effects of climate change that are already being felt.
“Nurses and midwives must use our voice to advocate for real action on climate change – this means no new fossil fuel extraction should occur.
“The NSWNMA commits our ongoing support for the right of the traditional owners of this land to have their voice heard.”
Nurses and midwives will take part in a community gathering to be held tomorrow by the Gomeroi people of Coonabarabran, protesting the native title tribunals’ decision to throw out their native title claim.
