Shorten commits to fund WA health projects

Opposition leader Bill Shorten has pledged an additional $110 million in new healthcare projects in Western Australia, adding to a string of spending promises ahead of the federal election due in May.

The promised funding is part of $1 billion of extra spending Labor pledged for the health sector today.

In WA, Labor has committed to seven new projects, the largest being $15 million for a clinical command centre at Royal Perth Hospital, an $18.2 million health clinic in Yanchep and $25 million for new palliative care beds at Osborne Park Hospital.

Smaller projects include a $12.2 million upgrade to Collie Hospital’s surgery facilities, doubling the capacity of Albany Hospital’s dental clinic for $5 million, $700,000 to provide dialysis facilities for Halls Creek and replacing Laverton Hospital with a new facility by giving $12.8 million in funding on top of the McGowan government’s $4 million.

The new funding is in addition to health promises the opposition has already made including a $5 million urgent care centre in Fremantle, $10.9 million to redevelop the Bentley Health Service and upgrade Kalamunda District Community Hospitals palliative care facilities with $7.6 million.

Mr Bill Shorten was back in WA to make the announcement, three weeks after he was in Midland announcing a Metronet training facility.

WA Health Minister Roger Cook thanked Bill Shorted and his team for recognising the health needs of Western Australians.

"These new projects ensure vital services are funded properly, delivering quality health care where and when it is needed,” Mr Cook said.

"Over four years, the McGowan Labor government will spend $37 billion putting patients first.

“We deserve a fair share from the federal government and today's commitment of $110 million is testament that a Shorten Labor government will recognise this."