A meeting involving federal Health Minister Mark Butler to discuss the Border's hospital needs and Commonwealth involvement appears unlikely to happen. or signup to continue reading A joint letter, signed by the mayors of Albury, Wodonga, Federation and Indigo councils, has been sent to Assistant Rural and Regional Health Minister Emma McBride soliciting her help in arranging a meeting with Mr Butler. The correspondence, seen by , was sent in the wake of Ms McBride meeting the mayors and Indi MP Helen Haines and outlining the hospital redevelopment and potential federal participation.
It flags the possibility of a tripartite health funding agreement with the federal, NSW and Victorian governments and collaboration opportunities with the Defence department and universities that are already involved in training on the Border. "We are eagerly seeking the Australian government's involvement ..
. including consideration of infrastructure investment given the nationally unique nature of this service and historic disadvantage arising from its cross-border location," mayors Ron Mildren (Wodonga), Kylie King (Albury), Pat Bourke (Federation) and Sophie Price (Indigo) state. The quartet welcomed the chance to speak to federal Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney, who attended Wodonga Council's health summit in March, and referenced speaking to Mr Butler via a joint deputation.
"We look forward to receiving an update following your meeting and would welcome the opportunity to meet with the minister directly," the mayors state. asked Ms McBride, via her office, what efforts she was making to obtain a gathering with Mr Butler and the mayors. That question went unanswered.
The apparent rebuff follows Dr Haines having unsuccessfully attempted to secure a visit by Mr Butler. In June 2022, shortly after the last federal election, the independent MP to discuss federal funding for a new single-site hospital. In response to questions about whether the Commonwealth was interested in becoming involved in the hospital project, a spokesman for Ms McBride pointed to health service being a state provision with no acknowledgement of the distinct situation on the Border.
"The Australian government provides significant funding contributions through the National Health Reform Agreement to support the delivery of public hospital services to the Albury-Wodonga region," he said. "The NHRA recognises that state and territory governments are the system managers of their public hospital systems and decisions about the delivery of public hospital services to the Albury-Wodonga community are the responsibility of the NSW and Victorian governments." The mayors had argued to Ms McBride that a provided "an opportunity for the Australian, state and territory governments to consider the unique needs of the Albury-Wodonga cross-border health service and an opportunity for collaborative governance and assistance".
"In particular, the desire of the NHRA to provide safe and high quality care at the right time, prioritise prevention and help manage health across a person's lifetime, drive performance and best practice by using data and research, and improving the efficiency and ensuring financial sustainability". Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data.
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