The Leader of the Opposition in the Pilbara

It was a pleasure to welcome our next Prime Minister, the Hon. Peter Dutton to the Pilbara recently, where he engaged meaningfully with the Karratha community, toured local businesses, and visited major projects for Rio Tinto and Woodside, showcasing the region’s importance beyond mining.

Unlike the Prime Minister’s recent ONE hour visit to Geraldton, Mr. Dutton’s visit demonstrated genuine commitment to WA and its challenges. Leaders who take the time to engage strengthen our communities and secure our future.

Durack Electorate Redistribution

My electorate is changing again with the AEC having announced the final electorate boundaries. The redistribution has, sadly, meant that the shires of York, Toodyay and Northam will no longer be in Durack. However, I'm very much looking forward to welcoming back many of the areas that I previously proudly represented prior to the 2022 redistribution. in fact, Durack will now encompass 49 different local government authorities!

PM Albanese's Dangerous Misinformation Bill

This legislation presents a serious threat to Australians' freedom of speech. At a time when Australians are living in a cost-of-living crisis, it beggars belief that the Albanese government would think that this proposed bill would be a priority. If you ever need evidence of how out of touch this government is—and of their warped sense of priorities—you need look no further than this dangerous bill.

The Albanese Labor Government abandoned WA years ago

It's incredible just how out of touch this government is. It's quite clear that, since Labor was elected, life for the vast majority of Western Australian families has got harder, not easier. That's despite those opposite saying life would be easier and would be cheaper under them. Yet here we are again, with those opposite giving themselves an almighty big pat on the back for overseeing this cost-of-living disaster.

WA LIBERALS TO DELIVER ONCOLOGY SERVICES FOR GERALDTON

Libby Mettam MLA, WA Liberal Leader, Shadow Minister for Health

Tim Milnes, Liberal Candidate for Geraldton

Hon Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack

WA LIBERALS TO DELIVER ONCOLOGY SERVICES FOR GERALDTON

A WA Liberal Government will deliver the $25 million radiation oncology service for Geraldton, finally giving the Midwest community access to local cancer treatment. “We will deliver $16 million out of our Regional Health Development Initiative to put an end to the games and give the Midwest community the cancer services they deserve,” said Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader. “A radiation oncology service for Geraldton has been a political football for too long. “Labor’s contempt for regional WA cannot be more obvious than when it comes to playing games with treatment for cancer patients.

According to the WA Government’s business case in 2019, the project was initially expected to cost $19 million, but due to Labor’s delays and inaction, the project is now forecast to cost $25 million. “Melissa Price delivered $9 million of critical Federal funding back in 2019, but WA Labor was too incompetent to deliver the project, which has seen costs increase,” said Ms Mettam. “Now state and federal Labor are bickering amongst themselves about who needs to make up the shortfall. “We will stop making excuses, live up to WA’s end of the bargain, and deliver Geraldton the radiation oncology services they so desperately deserve.” As identified in a letter from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, which was obtained through Questions on Notice, the business scope identified the need for a new building of just over one thousand square meters comprising the functional areas of: • Main entry area/reception; • Consultation space; • Simulation and Planning Room with Computed Tomography; • Linear Accelerator bunker and treatment spaces; • Patient holding and recovery areas; and • Staff and support areas.

“At the moment, Geraldton locals who need cancer radiation treatment have to travel to Perth,” said Tim Milnes, WA Liberal Candidate for Geraldton. “That means five hours each way in the car, or regular flights – either way that is far too expensive and is both emotionally and physically exhausting for both cancer patients and their families. “Fuel, overnight accommodation, missed work, and meals can add up, putting a significant financial burden on cancer patients and their families. “Geraldton is the third largest city in Western Australia – locals in the Midwest deserve access to this basic treatment,” said Mr Milnes.

"This is a fantastic outcome for Geraldton and the whole Midwest region,” said the Hon Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack. “I am so proud to have been part of the Federal Liberal Government which promised and delivered the first part of this funding and am pleased that a WA Liberal Government will deliver the rest." “This funding commitment is the very least of what our region deserves. Labor's continuous political games with cancer patients in the Midwest is over.

“Roger Cook’s priorities are all wrong - while Perth gets a $13 billion train line, we don’t even have radiation oncology in the Midwest,” said Ms Mettam. “This will benefit patients from communities like Carnarvon, Shark Bay, Mount Magnet, Morawa and all those in-between who will now have better options for treatment closer to home. “Cancer patients respond to treatment and recover best when supported by a strong family network, but the distance from Geraldton to Perth separates families at the worst possible time. “As a Mum who grew up in Geraldton, I know the importance of getting good quality healthcare close to home.”

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Jackie Perry - 0427 587 395

Brendan Morris – 0458 473 38

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