Election 2022: Indi candidates at odds on who needs to lead hospital fight

Indi’s major election contenders are at odds on who should be taking the lead role for a new border hospital.

Indi’s major election contenders are united on the need for a new border hospital, but independent MP Helen Haines and a Coalition rival are at odds on who should be leading the fight.

Ms Haines said during theHerald-Sun’s first 2022 election debate that the federal government had to take control given the unique cross-border nature of Albury-Wodonga Health.

But, Liberal candidate Ross Lyman said health service delivery was a state government responsibility and called on the Andrews Labor government to release a taxpayer funded master plan for a new hospital.

Member for Indi Helen Haines. Picture: Gary Ramage

“It’s the only border hospital in the country and we need the federal government to step up and lead on this,” Dr Haines said.

“We need the Victorian and NSW governments to join them.

“It will cost $1 billion and I am committed to fighting for this, but what we’ve seen from the federal government and both state governments is politicking, blame shifting and no commitment.”

Indi Liberal candidate Ross Lyman.

Mr Lyman said a new hospital was a “critical need”, but delays were being caused by the Victorian government.

“It takes a team to call on the Victorian government to release the master plan,” he said.

“If it’s going to cost anywhere between $750 million and $1 billion, let’s work out what the plan looks like, what needs to be funded, and we can start rolling.”

National candidate Liz Fisher also took part in the debate and supported the need for more health in regional areas.