2 days Ago By Tess Ikonomou
Health will remain at the forefront of Anthony Albanese's election campaign as he visits Western Australia. or signup to continue reading The prime minister will join WA Premier Roger Cook in Perth on Monday to announce an election pledge of $200 million towards the redevelopment of the St John of God Midland Public Hospital. The state government will cover the rest of the cost of the $355 million upgrade, which will deliver more hospital beds, operating theatres and a new intensive care and emergency department.
The hospital is in the outer seat of Hasluck, held by Labor MP Tania Lawrence on a 10.04 per cent margin. Western Australia was key in delivering Mr Albanese his 2022 election victory.
Labor will need to keep the electorate of Tangney, held on a 2.8 per cent margin, and safe seats Pearce, Swan and Hasluck. The government will be chasing extra electorates, including Moore and the new seat of Bullwinkel, which is a three-way race.
Ian Goodenough, who has held Moore for more than a decade, will recontest his seat as an independent at the May 3 election after he was ousted as the Liberal candidate. Framing the election as a choice to protect Medicare, Labor is expected to make further health-related announcements within days. Mr Albanese claimed only his party was strengthening Medicare with the largest spend in more than four decades.
"This means more free trips to the doctor, cheaper medicines and more urgent care clinics where all you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card," he said. While Mr Albanese went on the attack on the first full day of campaigning by going to coalition-held seats in Queensland, he visited the safe Labor seat of Canberra on Sunday. Labor has previously announced $8.
5 billion in funding to strengthen Medicare and make nine out of 10 GP visits free by the end of the decade. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised to match that funding, with an additional $500 million commitment to boost mental health support. Health Minister Mark Butler claimed a vote for Labor was a vote for a stronger Medicare.
"Everything in Peter Dutton's record tells us that he will start by cutting Medicare and he won't stop there," he said. "He will cut everything except your taxes." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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