Monash Heart Hospital funding still in doubt, says Health Minister Jill Hennessy

THE VICTORIAN Heart Hospital is facing a $150 million black hole in funding as Health Minister Jill Hennessy says ``alternative’’ backers are being approached.

Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy.

THE ROLLOUT of the Victorian Heart Hospital remains under a cloud after Health Minister Jill Hennessy admitted no alternative funding has been found to fill a $150 million black hole in the project budget.

Ms Hennessy told a parliamentary inquiry the state government was looking for “alternative” backers to fund the long-awaited project.

However, bizarrely she flagged there was still hope the Commonwealth Government would come to the party despite Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt ruling out involvement last month.

Ms Hennessy told the panel the project was ‘’still awaiting’’ federal funding and said work was also being done to attract “support from other project partners” but no private backers had yet been found.

Related Coverage: Andrews government facing Heart Hospital funding shortfall

The Andrews government has so far provided $150 million, while Monash ­University has pledged from $50-$70 million as well as land at Clayton, leaving a funding shortfall of about $150 million.

However, Opposition spokesman Mary Wooldridge slammed the funding bungle.

“Daniel Andrews promised a new Heart Hospital by 2018, but after 2.5 years of Labor’s gross mismanagement there is still no agreed budget, no time frame for completion and no committed funding partners,’’ she said.

Appearing before the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, Ms Hennessy did not deny delays in the project, however said work on the business case was ongoing.

Ms Hennessy was also asked about the success of Victoria’s medicinal cannabis scheme and the treatment for 29 children which was fast-tracked last year with imported product from Canada.

Ms Hennessy said the decision to import the oil substance was made on compassionate grounds but she remained hopeful Victoria’s regime would be up and running soon.

However broadening the type of patients who could access the treatment in Victoria would take “some time”.

“Everyday, I am contacted by people with very painful diseases, who are seeking access,” she told the panel.

A prescription medication monitoring scheme, was also raised by Sex Party MP Fiona Patten who was told the initiative should be delivered in late 2018.

@alexwhitelive