Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said Swan Hill has been robbed again – with not a single cent in the Victorian Budget for the urgently needed new hospital.
Mr Walsh said that “it’s a slap in the face from a Victorian government who are squandering billions in cost overruns and budget blowouts on massive Melbourne centric projects.
“Additionally they have ignored the $30 million in support funding we have been able to secure from our Federal colleagues in Canberra to go towards upgrading the hospital, which is old and no longer fit-for-purpose.”
Mr Walsh described this oversight as a classic example of the lack of vision by the Victorian Government.
“The Swan Hill community has made it clear the project was a priority through the Swan Hill Needs A New Hospital campaign, petitions presented to State Parliament and questions put directly to the Premier and the Victorian Health Minister and it was disappointing Daniel Andrews has refused to act once again.”
“Swan Hill deserves a hospital that’s fit-for-purpose and meets the health needs of our growing community,” Mr Walsh said.
“Staff at the hospital do a wonderful job but they also need a modern workplace in order to give patients the very best of care.
“It is a disgrace when you look at the numbers of zeroes being splashed about on Melbourne-only projects while areas such as Swan Hill get ignored.
“Perhaps if the Premier and his team spent less on top-shelf whisky and donuts and more on the people who need the money we might get somewhere.”
Media contact – Andrew Mole (03) 5482 2039 andrew.mole@parliament.vic.gov.au