The Western Australian government has announced a significant $50 million investment to enhance hospital infrastructure across the state. This bold move comes amidst growing criticisms of the health system’s capacity and maintenance issues, sparking debates over the state’s healthcare priorities.
A Commitment to Revitalizing WA’s Healthcare
Premier Roger Cook, Health Minister Meredith Hammat, and Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey unveiled the infrastructure maintenance fund as part of the government’s efforts to address systemic problems within Western Australia’s healthcare network. The fund will focus primarily on three major health services: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital, and Armadale Health Service. The planned upgrades are scheduled to take place across the 2025/26 and 2026/27 fiscal years.
Premier Cook highlighted the importance of this initiative: “We have listened to the concerns of workers, community members, and our heritage hospitals regarding maintenance. This $50 million fund demonstrates our commitment to the health infrastructure improvements that WA urgently needs.”
Addressing Critical Maintenance Issues
The move follows intense public scrutiny. Reports emerged about over 1,000 unresolved work orders burdening crews between January 2023 and June 2025, with alarming cases such as “urgent rapid radiation leakage” caused by a pipe burst. However, Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey has consistently denied claims of radiation leaking or black mold causing health risks, emphasizing the safety of WA’s medical facilities.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, the government announced a comprehensive audit of hospital maintenance procedures. The audit will be led by former under-treasurer Michael Barnes and former Department of Health director general Neale Fong, aiming to spotlight inefficiencies and improve procurement processes for future projects.
Pressure Mounts on WA Government
The announcement comes against the backdrop of rising criticism from opposition leaders and advocacy groups. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas accused the state government of failing to prioritize patient safety and called for a direct appeal to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for federal support. “The state government missed a golden opportunity to discuss the gravity of the hospital bed shortage directly with the Prime Minister during his recent visit,” Zempilas argued.
Amid these challenges, the state government has defended WA’s health system as one of the best in the nation: “We have talented doctors and nurses who are pivotal to the success of our medical services,” said Premier Cook. “Despite this investment and our ongoing achievements in emergency departments and elective surgeries, we know more work is required.”
A Healthier Future for WA
This investment signals a strong step forward toward modernizing Western Australia’s aging healthcare system and addressing long-standing maintenance concerns. Transparency and efficient allocation of these funds remain critical for restoring public confidence in the state’s healthcare system.
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