Where's the business case? Still no justification for unsatisfactory Albury Hospital redevelopment
Further tranche of documents relating to the Albury Hospital redevelopment have been released as a result of a successful Parliamentary order for papers by Albury-based Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn on the 26th of June.
This motion succeeded after Dr Cohn’s initial attempt was blocked by Sydney-based Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party leader Robert Borsak, and his objection was subsequently withdrawn after significant pressure from local leaders across the Albury-Wodonga region.
This is the third successful release of documents on the Albury hospital redevelopment by Dr Cohn in the interests of transparency for the community.
The documents released include:
- Confirmation that a business case for the project did not exist at the time of the previous release of documents (late August 2024)
- Correspondence between state and federal health Ministers unsuccessfully seeking an additional $70m federal investment in Albury-Wodonga Health
- Recognition that public confidence in the project is being lost in response to local clinician and local government advocacy
- Further confirmation that the redevelopment is not delivering what was announced in 2022: a single-site regional hospital for the Albury-Wodonga region
- Correspondence between elected representatives regarding the need for “additional, and critically needed” funding for additional beds at Albury Wodonga Health to meet current demand
Further relevant documents were deemed commercial-in-confidence, which Dr Cohn is considering her options to legally challenge.
Quotes attributable to Dr Amanda Cohn MLC:
“If this redevelopment stacked up, the government wouldn’t hesitate to release the business case underpinning their decision.
“This Albury Hospital redevelopment won’t and can’t deliver the health services we need.
“Internal government documents show that community pressure is working. Vocal and powerful local campaigns are building momentum - it’s never been more urgent or more important to keep the pressure on, and demand the health services we need now and into the future."
Other media reporting
The Border Mail 19 July 2025: 'Myth busting' requested as hospital chief seeks to combat doctors' concerns
The Border Mail 18 July 2025: Health Minister skirts Albury hospital business case questions amid criticism
Text of motion passed in the NSW Upper House on 26 June 2025: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1820781676-100256
Media Contact: Dylan Arvela 02 9230 2566 | [email protected]