Thursday, 19 February 2026

 Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Minister for Health Infrastructure) (10:00): Yesterday was an amazing day and a proud day to be a westie because we opened the new Footscray Hospital on time and on budget. Yesterday at 8 am the old Gordon Street Footscray Hospital was closed and 180 patients were transported very carefully to the new Footscray Hospital. Listening to James, the first patient in there – he said, ‘This is so beautiful. I don’t think I want to move out.’ For the electorate of Williamstown, this means faster, better quality care closer to home. With the opening of the new Footscray Hospital, families will see shorter wait times. They will see more services available at a shorter distance. For the next generation of nurses, midwives and allied healthcare workers from Williamstown who are studying at Victoria University, it has been incredible to hear how you have all been at the new Footscray Hospital and the brand new education and training centre right onsite.