Helen Haines and Sussan Ley are on a unity ticket about the federal government contributing to the cost of a new hospital on the border.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The operations of Albury Wodonga Health's Albury and Wodonga hospitals have been the responsibility of the Victorian government since the cross-border service's inception with NSW also a significant funding contributor.
But, in order to advance construction of a new hospital servicing an existing population catchment of 280,000 people either side of the border, the member for Indi and Farrer both see the need for the federal government to play a role.
"We've all been living through the biggest health crisis we've ever experienced and we know how important our health care is," Dr Haines said.
"We now need to make sure we are future-proofed.
"The best time to start this was yesterday, but the next best time is today.
"A brand new hospital for Albury-Wodonga is what we must strive for.
"Both state governments and the federal government have a role to play in delivering what the border really needs."
RELATED COVERAGE
Ms Ley agreed the federal government had a role to play.
"I am 100 per cent behind getting the hospital Albury-Wodonga needs and deserves," she said.
"But as I've noted previously, both the Victorian and NSW governments need to be equally committed to the build and the bulk of the capital cost.
"Whether that should happen on a new site or can be built up around Borella Road is obviously to be decided.
"Either way, I do think our Regional Deal's priority to help attract and build first-class health facilities can play a part in developing AWH's objectives around medical research and training."
Ms Ley is meeting with Border Medical Association representatives this week.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.bordermail.com.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News