NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has dismissed a motion to divide the Hunter New England Health Local Health District into two separate entities, arguing that such a move would only duplicate services and place additional strain on resources without addressing key recruitment challenges.
The proposal was introduced by Barwon MP Roy Butler, who advocated for the split following what he described as a disrespectful, dismissive, and often inaccurate response from the Health Service regarding concerns about Wee Waa Hospital.
Mr Park reaffirmed his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and delivery across rural and regional NSW. He stated that the special commission of inquiry into health funding is currently examining ways to enhance the governance of local health districts and improve the provision of healthcare services.
This marks the second attempt to divide the Health District, following a similar proposal by former Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who presented a petition with 16,000 signatures in 2023. That initiative also failed to progress.
