The Nationals in Government will deliver a $10 million investment to bring a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to Esperance Health Campus, ensuring local residents can access life-saving diagnostic imaging closer to home.

Member for Roe, Peter Rundle MLA, said the funding – sourced from The Nationals’ Royalties for Regions-funded Regional Health Infrastructure Fund – would cover both the purchase of an MRI machine and the construction of a dedicated suite at the hospital.

“An MRI machine in Esperance means residents will no longer have to ensure long and costly trips to Kalgoorlie or Perth just to receive essential scans,” Mr Rundle said.

“Quality healthcare should not depend on where you live. This investment will improve diagnosis times, enhance patient care, and reduce financial and logistical burdens for local families.”

Currently, Esperance residents must travel a nearly 800 kilometre round trip to Kalgoorlie, or a 1,300 kilometre return trip to Perth, just to access an MRI scan.

“This poses a major barrier for patients, especially elderly patients, those with chronic illnesses, and families facing financial hardship,” Mr Rundle said.

“A local MRI machine will mean faster diagnosis and treatment for serious conditions like strokes, cancer, and neurological disorders, improving patient outcomes and saving lives.

“It will also strengthen the regional health workforce, making Esperance Health Campus more attractive for specialists and medical professionals, while supporting the hospital’s continued growth.”

The Nationals WA have also committed to working with the Federal Government to secure a Medicare-eligible MRI licence, ensuring patients can access affordable scans once the service is operational.

“This commitment is part of our $400 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, which will help deliver priority hospital upgrades across WA after nearly a decade of neglect by WA Labor,” Mr Rundle said.

“We’re also delivering the biggest-ever boost to the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) with a $100 million investment – putting more money back into patients’ pockets for fuel and accommodation costs, while expanding PATS to cover dental and allied health services for the first time.

“The Nationals WA are committed to delivering high-quality healthcare to all Western Australians, no matter where they live.