Tuesday, 5 May 2026

 Dylan WIGHT (Tarneit) (14:24): Health infrastructure is rapidly expanding across the state, including in our growing community of Tarneit. That is why this Victorian budget is making serious investments across the health sector, like $95 million in funding to open the upgraded Werribee Mercy Hospital emergency department this year. The ED expansion is part of a $280 million package which will see patient treatment spaces doubled; four new resuscitation bays; 16 short-stay beds; 36 ‍emergency care cubicles as well as a behavioural assessment room; six spaces for treating issues related to mental health, alcohol and other drugs; and separate but co-located paediatric and acute and short-stay zones. Once fully operational an additional 25,000 patients will be able to receive treatment each year. Not only will patients in ED have their wait time cut, but the expanded facilities will also ensure our dedicated doctors, nurses, allied health workers and support services have a modern workplace designed to ensure they can deliver the best possible emergency care.

We are not stopping there. This budget will also see $8 million going towards a new pilot called Specialist Advice Now, which will enable GPs and patients to get timely specialist advice without the need for a referral and a reduction in the number of children and young people on preparation lists, with 4000 more planned surgeries for children and 45,000 additional specialist clinic appointments for children. The Allan Labor government is considered – (Time expired)