Thursday, 29 May 2025

Northern Victoria Region

Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (13:04): (1623) My question is for the Minister for Health. Can the minister confirm whether the 2025–26 state budget contains operational funding for Mernda community hospital, and if so, how much money is specifically allocated for each financial year over the forward estimates? The Victorian Health Building Authority website says that the construction of the City of Whittlesea community hospital, now known as Mernda community hospital, is on track to be completed in 2025. If the hospital is to actually open this year, it needs not just capital investment but operational funding. The recent state budget allocates funds for opening and operating hospital facilities, with $118 million set aside for the coming financial year, rising to $189 million in 2028–29. The minister must clarify how much of that money, if any, is specifically for the opening and operation of the Mernda community hospital in each year.

Sitting suspended 1:05 pm until 2:07 pm.