LABOR IS BUILDING AND OPENING NEW HOSPITALS

Victoria’s health system is caring for more Victorians than ever before – and Labor is making sure Melton gets the quality, affordable care it deserves.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie today welcomed the Victorian Budget 2026/27 investment of over $250 million to open and expand hospitals in growing outer suburbs and regions – including Melton Hospital in Cobblebank.

The Budget invests $2 million in early planning and operational readiness for the New Melton Hospital, so it’s prepared for day one.

Structural works have started on the new Melton Hospital.

It will provide care close to home for people in Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Rockbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh and treat 130,000 patients every year.

 Across Victoria, Labor’s investment will open and expand:

• Angliss Hospital – a new four-storey building with 32 additional beds and four operating theatres ($44.8 million)

• Cranbourne and Craigieburn Community Hospitals – Urgent Care Centres plus six new dialysis chairs at Cranbourne ($87.2 million across community hospitals)

• Pakenham Community Hospital – opening in early 2027 with allied health, pathology, public dental and urgent care

• Werribee Mercy Hospital – an expanded Emergency Department with capacity to treat an extra 25,000 patients per year once fully operational ($95 million)

• University Hospital Geelong – expanded paediatric emergency department for Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast families ($20.3 million)

• Shepparton Hospital – a new PET scanner for advanced diagnostics including cancer, closer to home ($7.1 million)

• New Melton Hospital – early planning and operational readiness, with structural works already underway, to serve Caroline Springs, Gisborne, Rockbank and Bacchus Marsh ($2 million)

Labor has built 11 hospitals and hired 17,000 nurses and midwives – because Labor always invests in our health system.

Jess Wilson’s Liberals have a track record of cutting, closing and privatising hospitals. Their $11.5 billion black hole means one thing: cuts to health that hurt.

Only Labor has new solutions to make life easier, safer and more affordable.

Quotes attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Melton families should be able to get the care they need close to home – and this Budget makes that happen, investing $2 million in early planning and operational readiness for the New Melton Hospital so it’s prepared for day one”

“Labor is getting on with the job – building and opening hospitals so our community gets the care it deserves.”

Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

“From Cranbourne to Melton to Geelong, we are delivering better care for families in fast growing communities.”

"Labor is investing in great local public hospitals – do the Liberals support it, or will they cut it?"

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Harriet Shing

“Labor is opening and expanding services where they’re needed most, in our growing suburbs and regions.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne

“Our health infrastructure investments are improving care for more Victorians right across the state.”