The NSW and Victorian health ministers haven't contacted the federal government regarding increased funding for Albury hospital, despite repeated calls to do so. or signup to continue reading Indi MP Helen Haines, in a speech to Parliament on Monday, August 12, said the states had not done enough to improve health services for people on the border. Dr Haines had submitted a Freedom of Information request to Health Minister Mark Butler's office, seeking documents related to the redevelopment of Albury hospital and infrastructure at Albury Wodonga Health.
The response revealed there had been no letters from or "In making this request, I wasn't hoping for a gotcha moment for the minister, but to understand what representations the NSW and Victorian governments had been making on the only cross-border health service in the nation," Dr Haines said. "What these documents show is a lack of effort by the Victorian and NSW governments to get a better deal for people on the border." This revelation follows from the mayors of Albury, Wodonga, Federation and Indigo councils sent to , soliciting her help in arranging a meeting with Mr Butler.
The letter flags the possibility of a tripartite health funding agreement with the federal, NSW and Victorian governments. The Commonwealth has invested $20 million through its Regional Deal fund in the $558 million hospital budget. Comparatively, the Commonwealth invested $128 million into the $780 million Shellharbour Hospital.
"The case is clear -.