The Victorian Coalition is facing intense scrutiny over significant disparities in its pre-election health service commitments for regional communities at opposite ends of the state. Critics are questioning the rationale behind promising a brand-new hospital to one region while offering a substantially smaller redevelopment to another, despite seemingly similar or even greater needs.

As the state election draws nearer, the Victorian Liberal and National parties have outlined vastly different visions for vital healthcare infrastructure. These pledges have sparked a heated debate, particularly in the Mallee region, where community advocates feel their needs are being overlooked.

A Tale of Two Hospitals: Drouin vs. Mildura

Earlier this week, the Coalition announced a commitment to fund an $850 million new hospital in Drouin, located in West Gippsland, should they win power in November. This substantial promise aims to address the growing healthcare demands in a region closer to metropolitan Melbourne.

In stark contrast, the Coalition recently pledged $180 million towards redeveloping the Mildura Base Public Hospital. This plan includes an expansion of the emergency department by 18 beds and the addition of a 30-bed acute ward. While any investment is generally welcomed, the significant difference in scale and funding between the two promises has not gone unnoticed by local community groups.

Mildura's Growing Discontent

The community campaign group 'Build the Base', a vocal advocate for improved healthcare facilities in Mildura, has formally called upon the Coalition to justify the considerable differences in their election promises. Their concerns are amplified by the historical context of previous commitments.

Ahead of the 2022 election, the then-Coalition leader Matthew Guy had promised a new $750 million Mildura Base Public Hospital. The current Opposition Leader, Jess Wilson, when questioned about the substantial downgrade from a new hospital to a redevelopment and the drastically reduced budget, stated that election commitments are "not static" and that circumstances can change.

Nationals MP for Mildura, Jade Benham, further elaborated on the change, suggesting there was "simply less money" available compared to 2022. However, Ms Benham acknowledged the community's unchanging and growing needs. "The needs of the community haven't changed, in fact the population continues to grow, but the innovation and the way that the management and the [hospital] board have adapted to be able to deliver change very, very quickly certainly has," she explained.

A 'Slap in the Face' for Remote Communities

Stephen Parr, Vice-President of Build the Base, expressed profound disappointment upon learning of the new hospital promise for West Gippsland. He described the situation as "a bit of a slap in the face" for Mildura, a sentiment echoed by many in the remote regional centre.

Mr Parr argued that budget conditions could not have changed so dramatically as to warrant such a disparity, especially for areas closer to the state capital. He highlighted Mildura's unique challenges, stating, "We are one of the most remote hospitals in the state. We have a higher level of complexity and acuity in the cases that come to our hospital because there's no other [public] hospital. I would argue that our community needs are higher."

The group insists that Mildura's remoteness and the complexity of its patient cases warrant a new hospital, not just a redevelopment. "We are a very remote part of the state with complex needs, and that's what warrants this significant investment that we're wanting," Mr Parr added, emphasizing the critical role the hospital plays for a vast catchment area.

Political Backlash and Accusations

When approached for comment on the funding discrepancy, a Coalition spokesperson chose to direct criticism towards Ali Cupper, the President of Build the Base and a former member for Mildura.

"Our team has a plan for the whole state and unlike tried and failed independent MPs — we can actually deliver," the spokesperson stated. "Our $180 million commitment to significantly upgrade Mildura Base Hospital is $180 million more than Ali Cupper ever did, or ever will deliver. The only way to get a better Mildura Base Hospital and ensure our region gets its fair share is by backing our Nationals and Liberals team this November."

Ms Cupper, however, swiftly dismissed the personal attack. "In relation to the personal attack, I'm not taking the bait," she responded. "Instead, Build the Base will repeat the question: how can the Coalition justify a new hospital to Gippsland while abandoning its promise to Mildura?"

The State of Play

Adding another layer of complexity, the current State Government invested $2 million in a master plan for the Mildura hospital in its 2021-22 Budget. However, this plan has not been publicly released, nor has the government made a firm financial commitment to either a new hospital or a redevelopment project in Mildura.

Conversely, the West Gippsland Hospital has already received funding for planning and development in the 2023 Victorian budget, as part of a broader $320 million fund allocated to prepare for the delivery of seven major hospital projects across the state. This pre-existing commitment for West Gippsland further highlights the disparity perceived by Mildura residents, who feel their long-standing pleas for a new hospital are being sidelined.