Victorian Nationals: The Nationals swap tunnels for healthcare

The Nationals have committed to investing $8 billion into regional healthcare, if elected to Government.
Under the Nationals Regional Infrastructure Guarantee, 25 per cent of the $35 billion saved by shelving the Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line in Melbourne, will be injected into regional Victoria including funds for much needed upgrades to regional healthcare.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr McCurdy said, “It is a great day for health in regional Victoria.”
“After 8 years of mismanagement by the Andrews’ Labor Government our healthcare services are crying out for help. The Nationals have committed to providing real funding for regional Victorians, ensuring that we get our fair share and properly support healthcare in the Ovens Valley.
“I have been lobbying the Government for years to get adequate funding and support into hospitals in the Ovens Valley, instead, they throw billions into digging a tunnel in Melbourne.”
Mr McCurdy continued, “Victoria gets nothing from this Government except spin and spend on band-aid solutions, leaving patients in tents, and hospital staff worse off.
“The hardworking staff in our hospitals and healthcare sector deserve funding to match their commitment to patient care, especially in regional Victoria, where patients have to travel much farther for healthcare.”
Mr McCurdy will continue to work closely with the health community to ensure that the Ovens Valley gets its fair share of funding.