The Carroll Labor Government is making it easier for families in Melbourne's north-east to get the specialist care they need, closer to home.
Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt today officially opened the new $14.1 million Austin Health Endoscopy Centre.
The new facility will help meet growing demand for endoscopy procedures, like gastroscopies and colonoscopies.
The dedicated doctors, nurses and surgical teams can now treat around 7,500 patients each year.
That is approximately 1,000 additional procedures annually.
It means more Victorians can access earlier diagnoses, and potentially lifesaving treatment, for gastrointestinal conditions like bowel cancer.
The centre will also be able to support additional capacity in the future as the local population grows.
Across Victoria, Labor is delivering more endoscopies, recognising the rising number of bowel cancer cases.
A $27 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2026/27 is supporting new and upgraded endoscopy equipment.
This investment will also establish Endoscopy Access Teams at 26 health services.
The new centre has been delivered as works on Labor's massive $275 million expansion of the ED continues.
The new three-level building has reached its full height, and work is now moving to the next stages.
Once complete the expanded ED will care for 30,000 extra patients every year.
Only Labor will deliver a world-class health system for working families across Victoria.
Under a Jess Wilson One Nation Liberal Coalition, Victoria's hospitals and workforce are under real threat.
Their $40 billion cuts plan means cuts to hospitals, cuts to nurses and cuts to the services Victorians rely on.
Never forget the Liberals attempted to privatise the Austin - and if given the chance they'll do it again.
As stated by Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt
"We're making sure Victorians can access the specialist care and treatment they need, sooner and closer to home."
"Only Labor is backing our world-class health system. Under a One Nation Liberal Coalition, you're on your own."
As stated by Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
"This new endoscopy centre means the incredible team at the Austin can continue saving the lives of locals."
As stated by Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
"Our EDs are busier than ever - this upgrade means 30,000 extra patients will be supported each year."
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
"It's fantastic to see this new centre open its doors, giving people across Melbourne's north-east better access to specialist care right here in their community."
