Peter Hendy (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Friday, 20 February, I was delighted to attend and represent the federal government at the community open day of the South East Regional Hospital in Bega. There I was joined by the Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency General David Hurley, and the New South Wales Treasurer and state member for Bega, Andrew Constance. Also present were Dr Max Alexander, CEO of the Southern New South Wales Local Health District, and Heather Austin, General Manager of Bega Valley Health Service. Treasurer Constance particularly noted the contribution of the late Dr Gareth Long, an orthopaedic surgeon who argued for years for this hospital.

This $187 million project is the biggest single infrastructure project in Eden-Monaro. The federal government is contributing $160.1 million. That compares to around $90 million to $100 million for the NBN rollout that is occurring in Eden-Monaro right now. The hospital is just part of the massive investment by the federal government in health infrastructure over the coming years. Investing in our local health services is essential. Overall, the coalition government will deliver a record $5.3 billion increase in funding for hospitals, representing an increase of 40 per cent over the next four years. I am a strong advocate of the country-city compact whereby the critical contribution of rural and regional Australia is appropriately recognised and the special barriers and the specific barriers facing country people receive the attention that they deserve. (Time expired)