Politics · Australia · 10 hrs ago
NT Labor proposes new Royal Darwin Hospital if elected in 2028
NT Labor has promised a new Royal Darwin Hospital if it wins government in 2028.
The party is preparing plans now, and is considering the current hospital site in Tiwi or Defence land in Berrimah.
The current hospital is ageing and struggling with overcrowding and stretched staff.
It opened in 1980, and the Australian Medical Association NT says it can no longer be repaired through patching.
A new hospital could cost more than $1 billion, though no exact cost has been given.
The Berrimah site is being considered because it is between Darwin and Palmerston and close to the airport.
The Country Liberal Party has not ruled out a new hospital, and says it is planning for future health infrastructure across the Territory.
NT Labor says it would build a new Royal Darwin Hospital if it wins the 2028 election.
The party is assessing the current hospital site in Tiwi and Defence land in Berrimah as possible locations.
Labor says it has begun planning with medical professionals, architects and Territorians.
The Australian Medical Association NT supports building a new hospital, while the CLP government says it has not ruled one out.
No exact cost has been given, although health officials have previously suggested a new hospital could cost more than $1 billion.
- Who
- NT Labor, led on the proposal by Shadow Health Minister Chansey Paech.
- What
- Labor has promised to build a new Royal Darwin Hospital if elected. It is considering two possible sites.
- When
- Labor says it would build the hospital if elected in 2028. Planning work has begun.
- Where
- The possible locations are the current hospital site in Tiwi and Defence land in Berrimah, Darwin.
- Why
- Labor says the current hospital needs replacing and is preparing so construction can proceed without delay if it takes office.
NT Labor
CLP government
Proposal
NT Labor
Labor promises a new Royal Darwin Hospital if elected in 2028.
CLP government
The CLP has not ruled out a new hospital but says it is planning health infrastructure across the Territory.
Planning and timing
NT Labor
Labor says it is starting preparatory work now so it can move ahead if elected.
CLP government
Health Minister Steve Edgington criticised Labor for not making the promise in its last term and said his government wants proper planning.
The current eight-storey Royal Darwin Hospital opened, using plans for Canberra's Woden Hospital.
NT Labor lost government to the Country Liberal Party.
Labor publicly outlined its planning and promised a new hospital if elected in 2028.
Labor says it would build the hospital if it wins the election.
- Possible sites
- Current hospital site in Tiwi; Defence land in Berrimah
- Estimated cost
- No exact cost given; officials have previously suggested more than $1 billion
- Current hospital
- Eight storeys; opened in 1980
- Election condition
- Labor's proposed build is conditional on winning in 2028
What people are saying
We're starting the work now,
We do need a brand new hospital from scratch,
We're not here to make political headlines.