Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:23): (1506) My question is for the Minister for Health. The government has already undertaken significant planning for health services in Mildura and the northern Mallee, yet our region is still waiting for a clear, long-term commitment on the Mildura Base Public Hospital. Before the state election, will the minister clearly state whether the government will fund a new or substantially redeveloped Mildura Base Public Hospital and provide the proposed scope, budget and delivery timetable?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (12:24): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her question and for her advocacy for the people of northern Victoria. I am very proud of the fact that our government has been investing significant capital and –

David Davis interjected.

The PRESIDENT: Mr Davis, Ms Tyrrell is not interjecting. It is her question. She wants to hear the answer.

Ingrid STITT: As I was saying, I am very proud of the fact that our government has invested significantly, both in terms of funding directly for our health services for the provision of health care but also in the area of health infrastructure, where we have actually invested, since coming to government, over $15 billion in health infrastructure funding right across the state. We are always looking at what the future needs are of the community, including in regional Victoria, and the department and the infrastructure delivery authority do careful work, which is also of course based on population data and health service needs across particular regions. That work is ongoing. I have not got any announcements to make today, but I am sure that Ms Tyrrell will continue her advocacy. Should we be re-elected in November, we will continue the record investment in health infrastructure. We have built 12 new hospitals. We have significantly invested right across community health as well as mental health and hospitals, and we will continue that commitment to the Victorian community.