The Nationals WA have criticised the Cook Labor Government’s inadequate performance on regional health, following a long-delayed commitment to redevelop the Tom Price hospital.
Leader Shane Love said the ‘innovative solution’ the Premier boasted of amounted to nothing more than asking Rio Tinto to stump up extra funding.
“Despite a multi-billion-dollar budget surplus, Labor has refused to reach into their own pockets and is instead relying on the goodwill of the resources sector to fund what should be a core Government service,” Mr Love said.
“While we are finally seeing some action in Tom Price after years of neglect, it has only come after a significant campaign from the Shire of Ashburton to hold the Government to account for their promise to the community.
“Across WA, Labor has broken promise after promise in regional health – failing to deliver new hospitals in Laverton, Meekatharra and Mullewa, and abandoning their commitment to deliver a renal dialysis centre in Halls Creek during this term of Government.
“Regional health has never been a priority for Labor, and last-ditch announcements in the lead-up to an election are not good enough for families and communities who have been ignored for years by this city-centric Labor Government,” Mr Love said.
Candidate for the Pilbara Kieran Dart criticised Labor’s reliance on the resources sector to fund essential services in the region.
“The resources sector already makes a significant contribution to WA’s economy through royalties, employment, and investment in local projects in the regions,” Mr Dart said.
“While I commend Rio Tinto for their additional funding to support the redevelopment of hospitals in Tom Price and Paraburdoo, it’s frustrating that the Labor Government doesn’t see the value of investing in regional healthcare in the Pilbara.”
Mr Dart also called for more detail around the Government’s commitment and timeframe.
“Pilbara communities have been listening to Labor make promises for years with nothing to show for it, and that has really eroded trust in the Government.
“Tom Price and Paraburdoo residents deserve to know how much this project will cost, when construction will begin, and what the expected completion date is.
“While the Government has promised further detail in November, after the tender process is completed, that rings hollow when the Tom Price hospital redevelopment was meant to be
finished in 2022.”
Mr Dart said it was the first funding commitment from the $750 million Resources Community Investment Initiative, which was announced in 2022.
“While I fully support greater investment in Pilbara hospitals, I’m sure the resources companies who have contributed significantly to this fund are hoping to see it used for more than just patching over Labor’s broken promises.”
