Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Ministers statements: health infrastructure

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (14:14): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government is delivering brand new healthcare facilities for the people of Victoria. Only last week I had the great pleasure of joining the Premier at Latrobe Regional Health, where we were able to open stage 3 of the redevelopment of that hospital. You can only open stage 3 when you have done stage 1 and you have done stage 2, and wasn’t it a great day to see the people of the Latrobe Valley getting the healthcare infrastructure that they need and deserve.

It was also an important day to reflect on what had previously happened at that very same hospital, a hospital that was sold by the Liberal–National parties when they were in government – what a disgrace, what shameful behaviour. Unlike those on the other side of the house, we do not cut, close or privatise health care. We get on with building and delivering the healthcare infrastructure that all Victorians need, whether it be a brand new hospital at Bendigo; whether it be substantial redevelopment down at Warrnambool, which I know the member for South-West Coast is very excited about; whether it be the more than half a billion dollars we have committed to Albury–Wodonga Health; whether it be the new hospital at Ballarat – $595 million – or a new Shepparton emergency department. Only the Allan Labor government is investing in the resources that we need.

Members interjecting.

Mary-Anne THOMAS: The member for Geelong has reminded me of course of the significant investments that we are building at the women’s and children’s hospital down in Geelong. I think it is really important that the house understands that this government stands resolute in its commitment to delivering the health services that Victorians need. There is only one political party or coalition that closes and privatises hospitals, and that is the Liberal–National parties. Some things never change.

The SPEAKER: Before I call the next question, can I acknowledge also in the gallery that we have the former member for Caulfield Helen Shardey.