The matter I raise is for the Minister for Health in the other place, Daniel
Andrews, and is in relation to ensuring that health services in western Victoria
continue to have access to high-quality medical equipment and facilities. I am
aware that this government has invested $4.1 billion in the largest capital
works program the health sector has seen. I am also aware that since 1999 there
have been significant increases in funding. In particular in my electorate there
has been a 116 per cent increase in funding for Barwon Health, and there has
also been an 80 per cent increase for South West Healthcare in Warrnambool,
which I know the minister has recently visited.
Whilst we are providing record recurrent funding for health, I
call on the minister on this occasion to support health services in my
electorate by funding new and replacement medical equipment to give our health
service staff the tools they need to continue saving lives. For example, the
Western District Health Service, as I understand it, needs a new operating
table; Portland District Health needs a steriliser, as does Moyne Health
Service; and Colac Area Health is in need of a laparoscopic tower, amongst other
things. Those are important things that are needed at this time.