Nationals Member for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr MLA, has slammed the Cook Labor Government for failing to fully fund the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Geraldton, saying the Government neither understands nor cares about the emergency healthcare needs of regional Western Australians.
During Question Time on Wednesday ahead of Flying Doctor Day, Ms Warr asked the Health Minister why the State Labor Government had failed to fully fund the base, with just $7.5m committed in the State Budget.
“The Minister’s response showed the lack of concern, a lack of care, and a lack of consideration for the emergency healthcare of regional residents,” Ms Warr said.
“The funding in the budget does not cover the full cost to build the base, leaving the Geraldton community at a loss, as well as those communities further to the north and east.
“The Minister needs to be honest with the community as to why it is forcing the RFDS to raise its own funds for this critical project instead of the State Government funding it themselves.”
Ms Warr said it was a “disgrace” that this is the second time the RFDS had missed out on the full funding, after they were left out of the budget in 2025.
“The RFDS themselves have highlighted how important a Geraldton base would be for their operations, making a difference for thousands of regional Western Australians,” she said.
“The Nationals WA committed to funding the whole project because we understand the importance of it for the region, while the Cook Labor Government chooses to fund their pet projects in Perth.
“It’s clear this project is not a priority for the State Labor Government, but I will continue to raise this issue to ensure this project can become a reality for the Geraldton community.”