In a state as big as Western Australia, access to medical services and facilities is not only important, but often critical to the health outcomes of residents in regional and remote areas.

The former Liberal Government invested $565 million in regional healthcare services, making it one of the largest single investments in regional health by any WA government.

It allowed for significant redevelopments of hospitals in Narrogin, Northam, Merredin and Katanning, improved emergency response capabilities, and expanded after-hours GP and telehealth services.

Sadly, many of these communities are being let down by the Cook Labor Government’s neglect.

Despite eight years of promised projects and upgrades, as supported by Health Department reviews, the WA Labor has delivered little more than excuses for regional WA.

Travelling thousands of kilometres from their families and workplaces for appointments or care is simply unrealistic for many residents across our state.

They cannot afford the time or out-of-pocket expenses, and the health consequences are often dire.

Our state’s health policy is all talk and no action, and our communities deserve better.

The WA Liberals know delivering key regional health facilities is critical in addressing unique regional challenges.

Prevention and early intervention are key to the best health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents, and this can only happen with proper investment in the communities in which they live.

Currently, many regional areas also lack advanced diagnostic tools, such as MRI machines, which are vital for early detection and treatment of serious conditions.

Committing to – and keeping to – the completion of upgrades across the state will ensure that no matter where you are in WA, you will receive healthcare befitting a state as prosperous as WA.

Every Western Australian deserves high-quality healthcare closer to home.

Only a WA Liberal Government will deliver it.

The WA Liberals believe every Western Australian deserves the best possible healthcare services, regardless of where they live.

Across the state, rapid population and visitor growth has meant current hospitals and emergency departments are no longer fit for purpose.

Western Australians should not have to travel thousands of kilometres to access basic health care, in the absence of updated facilities.

The importance of targeted health initiatives cannot be overstated.

After years of excuses and delays, regional hubs – such as Margaret River – deserve a government that will listen and commit to providing the urgent health upgrades they need and deserve.  

A WA Liberal Government will establish the Regional Health Development Initiative investing $400 million over four years into our regional health infrastructure.

This is more than double what the WA Labor Government has committed over the past eight years.

The initiative will invest in improved medical equipment, services, technology and local health infrastructure in our remote and regional communities, reducing the health disparities between our city and regional populations.

We will ensure our local hospitals and healthcare centres are able to meet demand, so where you live does not determine the quality of healthcare you receive.

These upgrades will not only bring our hospitals up to standard to meet current demand but ensure they can cope with future growth in the region.

We believe the health and wellbeing of Western Australians is critical to maintaining our strong communities and should be a key priority of any government.

Only the WA Liberal Party is committed to  investing in the future of our regional health system.