Vaccine outrage forces statehood conversation

3rd August 2021, the Hunter Valley Statehood Movement has been emboldened following a weekend of outrage after Hunter vaccines were redirected to Sydney.

Bryce Ham, spokesperson for the movement, “The decision to redirect Hunter vaccines to Sydney was incredibly frustrating. While I understand the need to get more people vaccinated in Sydney given the outbreak there, it’s disappointing that vaccines are being taken from the Hunter given our proximity to Sydney. Both the Federal and State Governments keep telling us to get vaccinated, yet they are now taking our vaccines away and cancelling appointments. I think it goes without saying that this wouldn’t have happened if the Hunter had a voice when this decision was being made.”

The Hunter Valley Statehood Movement officially launched last month following the Federal Court’s ruling against the Port of Newcastle’s planned container terminal. The movement says that widespread outrage over the last year as the Hunter continues to suffer from decisions made by the Sydney government has invigorated its supporters to push ahead with the campaign.

Ham, “Newcastle and the Hunter Valley have been taken for granted by Sydney for too long. We have been neglected for decades and our region's future is uncertain because of that. But we can change this. It's time to put our future into our hands.”

The movement, which aims to hold its first major action in the next six months, highlighted that it is fighting for a Royal Commission into the feasibility of Hunter Valley Statehood to be held as soon as possible, and a referendum on Hunter Valley Statehood by 2030. It encourages people to visit its website and social media pages to learn more and find out how they can take action.

Ham, “With a Hunter Valley State, we will shape our own destiny. Decisions on our future will be made right here, not in a courtroom or parliament in Sydney.

Media enquiries: email media@hunterstatehood.com
More info: visit the movement’s website hunterstatehood.com