Nationals Member for Albany, Scott Leary, has blasted the State Government for failing to deliver the $60 million upgrade promised for Albany Health Campus, describing the allocation of a meagre $1 million in this year’s Budget as an insult to the people of Albany.
Mr Leary said that during the election campaign, the Government promised the people of Albany $60 million was locked in for urgently needed hospital upgrades, with the facility operational by early 2027.
“Now all we’ve got is a token $1 million for yet more planning, planning that’s been dragging on for years. Albany residents were promised a hospital upgrade. What they’ve been given is delay, deception, and a disappearing budget.”
Mr Leary said the failure to deliver on this commitment was part of a broader pattern of broken promises across the Great Southern and regional Western Australia.
“Affordable housing developments, secondary school expansions, ambulance services, mental health services, all promised, but not properly funded.
“And yet, while regional communities are told to be patient, the Government has no trouble finding billions for metropolitan projects.”
• $217 million for the highly controversial Burswood Park redevelopment, despite strong opposition from Perth residents.
• Billions for metro stadiums, rail expansions, and urban redevelopments.
• $60 million in grants to support the establishment of a new Perth-based National Rugby League (NRL) club, the Premier’s pet project.
“This Government is happy to fund metropolitan stadium upgrades and elite sporting teams, while regional hospitals are left waiting for even basic infrastructure,” Mr Leary said.
“The people of Albany are not unreasonable, we simply expect the Government to honour its word.”
“This Budget exposes the Government’s real priorities. Metro Perth gets delivery. Regional WA gets photo opportunities.”
Mr Leary said he would continue to hold the Government to account until full funding is secured and construction begins.
“The people of Albany, Mount Barker, Plantagenet, and the wider Great Southern deserve more than empty promises. They deserve action. And they are watching.”
