The Cook Government's urgent $50 million injection to fix Western Australia's deteriorating hospitals has seen less than half the funds spent or committed, months after the announcement.
Funding Fails to Flow as Promised
Premier Roger Cook announced the establishment of the Health Asset Maintenance Fund in August last year. The fund was designed to prioritise critical repair works at major hospitals including Sir Charles Gairdner, Royal Perth, and Armadale.
However, only $6 million has been spent so far, with a further $14 million allocated to projects currently underway. This leaves a significant portion of the promised $50 million yet to be deployed for the intended "urgent blitz."
Minister Points to Complex, Live Environments
Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey confirmed that 40 projects have been approved under the funding package. He expressed a goal to have them completed by September, but stopped short of a firm guarantee.
"I can't say that for certain for the simple reason given the complexity of some of them," Mr Carey stated. He explained that initial assessments often uncover more extensive damage, such as significant water issues behind a simple roof repair, which complicates and lengthens project timelines.
"My commitment to you is... I'm doing everything I can to get that money out the door," he said, acknowledging media scrutiny on the issue. He also highlighted the challenge of conducting major works in 24/7 operational hospitals, with some repairs scheduled for weekends to minimise disruption.
Opposition Slams Government's "Decade of Decay"
Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam launched a sharp critique, accusing the government of being dragged "kicking and screaming" into action. She argued the response is still insufficient.
"A few months of media statements does not address nearly a decade of decay under the Cook Labor Government — what we need to see is action," Mrs Mettam said. She credited the Opposition, patients, and health workers with exposing the system's poor state and demanded greater transparency and urgency from the government.
The $50 million fund is separate from the $265 million allocated for health asset maintenance in the latest State Budget. The government has indicated it plans to increase maintenance funding in the upcoming financial year.
