Labor will this morning commit $88 million to the upgrade of Nepean Hospital.
The announcement will be made during Bill Shorten’s official campaign launch at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith.
The funding injection will build a new cancer centre, birthing suites and new operating theatres.
The local hospital is in crisis mode but the State Government only plans to allocate $1 million in this week’s State Budget to planning future upgrades.
Mr Shorten said he’ll step in and improve the funding outcome for the hospital.
“Labor recognises western Sydney is growing rapidly, and this is putting a significant demand on existing services and infrastructure across the Nepean Blue Mountains Health District,” he said.
“The Nepean Hospital is stretched to breaking point, with the longest wait time in the state and its emergency department and shocking elective surgery wait lists.”
Supporters are already arriving at The Joan ahead of this morning’s campaign launch.
“Today Bill will talk directly to Australians about Labor’s positive plans for the future,” a Labor Spokesperson said.
“Labor has policies to protect Medicare, properly fund our schools and invest in nation-building, job-creating infrastructure.
“Malcolm Turnbull’s only plans are to privatise Medicare and give a $50 billion tax giveaway to big business and the banks.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.