Tuesday, 2 June 2026

 Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (14:50): (2345) My question is for the Minister for Health Infrastructure. Western District Health Service staff have brought to my attention the critical need for upgrades to the emergency department at Hamilton Base Hospital. Development plans were completed in 2004; however, the Department of Health put the project on hold while a statewide health industry prioritisation of work strategy was underway, expected to be completed by mid-2025. Shockingly, despite a three-decade-long wait, no funding was allocated to Hamilton hospital in the 2026 state budget. Minister, could you share with my constituents what exactly the prioritisation strategy found and why the Hamilton hospital ED upgrade was deemed ineligible for funding?