The Victorian Labor Government’s delaying of the construction and completion of Maryborough’s new hospital is unforgiveable, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

Tuesday’s state budget revealed the completion date for Maryborough’s new hospital, touted by the Government to be “world class”, will now be pushed back by 18 months with an expected completion by the middle of 2026. According to the Budget Papers, just $43.95 million of the $115 million project cost will have been spent by the end of June. Meanwhile, the Victorian Opposition say the Budget papers revealed a $6.9 billion cost blowout on Suburban Rail Loop East.

“The people of Maryborough will suffer as a result of the Allan Labor Government’s abysmal economic management and Melbourne-centric mentality,” Dr Webster said.

Dr Webster said Maryborough voters are right to be angry after Labor won the state seat of Ripon, including Maryborough, only to be snubbed by the Victorian Government and left stranded by their State MP.

“The Member for Ripon’s website says the budget helps local families but fails to even mention the Maryborough Hospital,” Dr Webster said.

The Victorian Nationals have pointed out that regional Victoria will only receive 12-13 per cent of the total infrastructure spend in this Budget.

“The Allan and Albanese Labor Governments are treating Maryborough people like second class citizens. As I travel across the nation as Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health, I hear from frazzled frontline health professionals and patients facing increasing and costly trips to the capital city for diagnosis and treatment,” Dr Webster said.

“I am seeing consistent evidence that Labor robs regions to buy votes in the inner cities and they should hang their head in shame when they hit the Maryborough Hospital to find budget savings.”