The Allan Labor Government has disappointingly refused to commit to funding the construction of the new Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, despite providing a planning grant, leaving the project in limbo and the future of the vital rural health service uncertain.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said he had been advised by the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, that the project would only be “considered alongside other health infrastructure priorities” after pushing for a funding guarantee in parliament.

“This response is just cruel and comes from a government that has wasted $15 billion on CFMEU corruption. It is funding pole dancers on building sites, but cannot find money for the Bush Nursing Centre,” Mr Bull said.

“The Buchan Bush Nursing Centre is a lifeline for the community, but the current building is outdated, non-compliant and no longer suitable for delivering modern healthcare services.”

Mr Bull said the community had done everything asked of them by government, securing planning funding, purchasing a greenfield site and preparing a project ready for construction.

“But what is the point of providing planning money if there is no commitment to actually fund the build?” he said.

“Providing planning funding raises expectations that the project will be funded by the government. Without a commitment to construction, it simply leaves the project sitting on the shelf gathering dust.”

The proposed facility is estimated to cost around $6.5 million and would replace the ageing existing centre which no longer meets modern health, safety and accessibility standards.

“The plans have been drawn up, the land is secured and the project is ready. The Allan Labor Government now needs to explain why it will not commit to funding the build,” Mr Bull said.

Caption: Tim Bull MP is urging the Allan Labor Government to fund the important rural health service’s rebuild.

Tuesday, 10 March 2026