Thursday, 12 September 2024

Pakenham community hospital

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (18:41): (1155) My adjournment is for the Minister for Health. On 15 April 2019 a historic, 850-year-old building, Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, was gutted by a devastating fire. The cathedral sustained massive damage, including the collapse of the roof and spire and the destruction of much of the building. The reconstruction of the cathedral has been a monumental task requiring painstaking work and the careful consideration of important historic and religious elements, causing construction to be undertaken in a cautious manner. There have also been delays caused by the pandemic and the sourcing of accurate material. Yet it is still due to reopen later this year, meaning the five-year goal and the 2024 date that was set in the aftermath of the blaze is probably going to be met – which brings me to another building, the Pakenham hospital, which was meant to be complete this year. It was promised by Daniel Andrews to be started in 2018.

When Labor promised a new Pakenham hospital they said it would be complete by 2024. However, it is not because of the painstaking labour, it is not because of the religious elements or historical elements; it is just because Labor simply cannot manage health and certainly cannot manage a budget to save themselves. Minister, it has now been 2146 days since Labor promised a new Pakenham hospital and there has not even been a shovel in the ground. My constituents are travelling further and further than necessary to access care, and it is putting demand on health services all around that are already under pressure and adding extra stress to an already traumatic time for these individuals. Minister, the action that I seek is for you to tell the community of Pakenham: when will you deliver the Pakenham hospital?