Council To Support Inquiry Into Splitting Of Hunter New England Health District

4 March 2025

INVERELL Shire Council has resolved to support the inquiry into the proposed splitting of the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) and will prepare a submission in response to the draft Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025, introduced by the Independent Member for Barwon, Mr Roy Butler MP.

Mr Butler has advised Council that his decision to introduce the Bill stems from concerns regarding the decline in health services in the New England North West region of the HNELHD. He has described responses from HNELHD regarding service levels as disrespectful, dismissive, and often inaccurate.

Council notes that this matter has been subject to previous debate. In 2022, former Member for Northern Tablelands, Mr Adam Marshall, supported a petition calling for the splitting of the HNELHD, which received over 16,000 signatures. However, the then Minister for Regional Health, Mrs Bronnie Taylor MLC, did not support the split, citing workforce shortages and concerns regarding duplication of non-frontline services.

In February 2024, in response to ongoing concerns about service levels at the Inverell Hospital, Council supported the call for an external independent inquiry into the management practices of the Inverell Hospital and the Tablelands Sector of the HNELHD. Despite backing from the NSW Country Mayors Association, the request was ultimately declined by the NSW Government.

Council representatives, alongside members of the Inverell Health Forum, have continued their advocacy efforts with the State Government and HNELHD representatives to improve health service levels at Inverell Hospital. Council remains committed to its resolution of 22 May 2024 to advocate for improved hospital services in line with reasonable community expectations.

Health Minister Mr Ryan Park MP has publicly stated his opposition to the proposed Bill, arguing that splitting HNELHD would create unnecessary duplication of services and strain existing resources without addressing key recruitment challenges.

Council will now monitor contributions to the public inquiry when it commences, prior to finalising its own submission. Council will also continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the Inverell community.

Media Enquiries:
Peter Caddey / 02 6728 8288 / peter.caddey@inverell.nsw.gov.au