Peter Gutwein adds to concern over future funding of the Mersey

Treasurer Peter Gutwein has left the future of the Mersey Community Hospital up in the air by admitting there is no guarantee of longer term Commonwealth funding.

“Mr Gutwein has made no provision in the Budget for the Mersey despite his revelation that Federal funding is only short term,” Mr Green said.

Mr Gutwein said yesterday:

“To be frank, I’d like the Commonwealth to fund it on an ongoing basis, and they have indicated they want to discuss that.” Peter Gutwein.

“It is clear now that the Commonwealth does not want to be locked into funding the Mersey beyond the next two years.

“Given what Mr Gutwein knows, and that he has said the Mersey will not be closed under a Hodgman Government, why has no provision been made in the forward estimates in the likelihood of the Commonwealth pulling out?

“It is obvious the Federal Liberals are not looking past the next election and Brett Whiteley’s chance of retaining his seat.

“Funding for the Mersey should be taken out of the political cycle to give the community and staff the certainty they need.

“Far from ending the uncertainty, Mr Gutwein by his own admission has only added to concerns over the future of the Mersey.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader