Today’s announcement of continued federal funding for the John L Grove rehabilitation centre is the culmination of extensive work by the State Government and our Federal Liberal colleagues and is a fantastic result for patients and staff at John L Grove.
It’s another example of what can be achieved by working cooperatively with our federal colleagues, as opposed to “table-thumping” and shouting from the sidelines.
We have made ongoing representations to the Commonwealth Government about the need for continued funding support past the 30 June 2015 cut-off date put in place by previous Labor State and Federal Governments.
I have worked closely with Federal Liberal Member for Bass Andrew Nikolic to put together a strong case for continued funding, and we thank the Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Commonwealth Health Minister Sussan Ley for responding positively to our requests.
Renewed Commonwealth government funding for the next two years enables us to plan for an ongoing role for the centre in a statewide health system, while continuing to get the state budget on a sustainable footing so we can invest in essential services into the future.
I thank the staff at the John L Grove for continuing their fantastic work in uncertain circumstances as we negotiated for ongoing Commonwealth funding.
