HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

MEDIA RELEASE
STATE BUDGET IS MORE EMPTY PROMISES FOR HEALTHCARE AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN CANNING

10 May 2024

Member for Canning Andrew Hastie MP has slammed WA’s 2024-25 State Budget unveiled by Treasurer Rita Saffioti for neglecting the needs of the Peel region.

Despite boasting a sixth consecutive surplus of $3.2 billion, Mr Hastie questioned the allocation of resources to the Peel Region, which he says will increase strain on local healthcare facilities and roads.

Mr Hastie noted that the budget funding of $152 million for the Peel Health Campus isn’t new, but is instead a carryover from previous years – indicating a lack of fresh commitment.

He voiced frustration over delays in the Peel Health Campus’ transition to public management and criticised the Labor Government for “repeatedly making promises without tangible action”.

“This is another empty promise from the Labor State government. After seven years, we’re yet to see any action on the Peel Health Campus. People should ask themselves: are they better off under this Labor government?” Mr Hastie said.

“I’ll be watching the Labor Government very closely to ensure they get moving on our hospital. Our local state members in the Peel are lethargic and low-energy. They should be fighting for us. It’s time to replace them.”

Mr Hastie also raised concerns over the status of the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage project, which saw $200 million of Federal funding cut by the Albanese Government last year.

Mr Hastie said the project was an important upgrade to local infrastructure that would divert more than 700 heavy haulage trucks from driving through Pinjarra town every day.

At the time funding was removed, local member Robyn Clarke MLA promised the State Government would step in and cover the Federal Government’s original contribution.

“The estimated cost of the project is $250 million – yet the WA Government has only budgeted for $40 million over three years – which means the State Government hasn’t covered the cut funding at all,” Mr Hastie said.

“Robyn Clarke is making empty promises. We won’t see a road under her watch. This raises serious questions about when we will see this come to fruition – or even at all.”

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