Health—Regions
397. Ms Jodie Hannsto theMinister for Health Infrastructure:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's ongoing delivery of new and upgraded health infrastructure. Can the minister outline to the house how this commitment is delivering specialist services to regional communities?
Mr John Carey replied:
I thank the member for her question. I was actually down in Collie last week and we went through the upgraded hospital system there, which I think was around a $13 million to $14 million investment.
Ms Jodie Hanns: Seventeen.
Mr John Carey: A $17 million investment, sorry. I was under. Actually, I was advised that it is the best operating theatre in the state with beautiful upgrades, so thank you for your advocacy on that. That project in Collie does demonstrate that the state government, across Western Australia, is transforming public hospitals, and there is no doubt about that. Everywhere we look, our investment of $3.2 billion is making significant changes in the system.
I have already touched upon Geraldton, an incredible investment, a total redevelopment, and of course only happening under a Cook Labor government. Lots of times under Liberal–National governments nothing happens. It is under a Cook Labor government where we see further investment in the Geraldton Health Campus.
The point I do want to make is I was down in Bunbury for the Bunbury Community Cabinet, where I joined the Premier and Minister for Health to reach a critical milestone for Bunbury Hospital. I have to say the Community Cabinet was overwhelmingly positive about the Bunbury redevelopment. People are really proud about their hospital, and they were proud that this is the single biggest investment in regional Western Australia in the state's history in our health system. A critical milestone was reached with the installation of structural columns that will form the foundations of the clinical tower. Those main works are now underway, which will of course be topped out by a new helipad. On top of that, the new Bunbury redevelopment will include an expanded emergency department; more operating theatres; a new central sterilisation department; new and expanded maternity, birthing and neonatal services; and an increase in patient wards. That is what we are doing.
Now I do note on the other side that the WA Liberals had their conference. The Leader of the Liberal Party gave his first signature speech. Members would think that when he says health is a priority, he might mention something about health expenditure. He says it is a priority, but no! I read an ABC news article headed "Basil Zempilas makes pitch as WA Liberal Party's saviour at state conference". I have to say this: he is not the Messiah; he is just a very naughty boy. I even got a laugh from there! That is embarrassing.
This is what he said:
It has dawned on me in recent times that actually, that first career,—
And I can see him there—
the broadcast career, was the career that—
Mr Basil Zempilas: I remember yours! How long did it last?
Mr John Carey: I have got a big one here! I have got a big one! I am pulling him in. I am pulling him in now! He is super sensitive.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Members!
Mr John Carey: He said this:
It has dawned on me in recent times that actually, that first career, the broadcast career, was the career that was preparing me for this one …
The one that I am meant to be here for. The one that I'm meant to execute on behalf of all of you here today.
Alleluia! The Messiah has risen!
The Speaker: Minister! Thank you. Just in a second, member for Carine. It is okay; you do not need to raise a point of order. Minister, have you concluded your response?
Mr John Carey: No!
The Speaker: Then, minister, you need to bring your response back to the question and start to conclude, please.
Mr John Carey: Thank you.
Ms Rita Saffioti: About the lack of health.
Mr John Carey: Yes!
The Leader of the Liberals has an opportunity in his first signature speech, and instead he also says:
It is also a name that people know in Western Australia
This is his signature policy. He launched a website called Zempilas.com—that is it!—with some Instagram photos, probably throw in a few AI because that is what they are really good at.
Being in politics is not just about the grab; it is also being someone of substance—putting forward a clear platform with policy prescriptions.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Thank you, minister.
Mr John Carey: What we saw from that—
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition! Minister for Health Infrastructure.
Mr John Carey: What we have seen from that Liberal—
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
Mr John Carey: He is very sensitive.
The Speaker: Leader! Minister, if you could conclude your comments, please. Conclude your comments!
Mr John Carey: What we are seeing now is—
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition.
Mr John Carey: There is an over-sensitivity. We can see it from the yelling and the screaming by the Leader of the Liberals. That side of politics does not have any policy prescriptions. At the last election, there were so few health initiatives. It was very minimal except an AI-generated plan for Royal Perth Hospital. On this side—
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition.
Minister, thank you.
