The Andrews Labor Government today called on the Abbott Government to provide its fair share of funding for a dental laboratory and medical training facility in the Latrobe Valley.
Visiting Latrobe Community Health Service today, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, said it was disappointing the Liberal-National Coalition failed to provide any funding in the Federal Budget for the Latrobe Valley University Training Clinic and Dental Prosthetic Laboratory.
The Labor Government last week provided $1 million additional funding in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget for the new facility, fulfilling a key election commitment to see the project go ahead.
Latrobe Community Health Service is seeking around $2.7 million from the Federal Government towards the $5.3 million project.
Tony Abbott and Warren Truss have already set this project back by two years, after failing to honour the former Federal Labor Government’s $4 million commitment, short-changing locals and leaving a $1.3 million funding gap.
When complete, the facility will diversify the Latrobe Valley’s manufacturing industry, boost economic growth and create construction and 38 ongoing local jobs.
It will be built adjacent to Federation University, which will open up the opportunity to build a strong industry-university partnership and support the growth of skilled workers in the region.
It will also provide specialist medical services to 3,000 Federation University students and over 920 staff.
The Labor Government’s additional $1 million contribution is provided through the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.
The Fund, which will come into effect from 1 July, 2015, will support major projects that will create jobs, boost local economies and build stronger regional communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“Darren Chester and Russell Northe must stand up to Tony Abbott and the Liberal-Nationals and make sure the Latrobe Valley community gets this needed health service.”
“This is a project that will create jobs, diversify the local manufacturing industry and provide training for more skilled workers in the Valley.”
“The Andrews Labor Government’s Budget has delivered for the Latrobe Valley – now we need the Abbott Government to give the region the funding it deserves too.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020