Record $9.1 Billion Health Boost to Expand WA Hospital Capacity and Service

The Cook Labor Government has unveiled a record investment in Western Australia's healthcare system as part of the 2026-27 State Budget, committing an additional $9.1 billion to improve hospital capacity, strengthen the workforce and expand access to services across the State.

The funding package includes a record $6.5 billion investment in hospital services, supporting more staff, additional beds and expanded healthcare initiatives designed to improve patient access and reduce pressure across the public health system.

Key measures include the integration of Mount Lawley Hospital into the public system by the end of August, along with the addition of 60 beds and three surgical theatres at St John of God Midland Public Hospital and a further 60 beds at Joondalup Health Campus.

The Budget also delivers a record $5.5 billion health infrastructure pipeline over the next four years, supporting major hospital construction, redevelopment and maintenance projects throughout metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

More than 900 additional beds are planned through major projects including the New Women and Babies Hospital, upgrades at Royal Perth Hospital, the New Mandurah Health Campus, Osborne Park Hospital, Graylands Hospital and the purchase of Mount Lawley Hospital.

Regional communities will also benefit from $293.7 million in health infrastructure upgrades across Bunbury, Albany, Tom Price, Meekatharra, Laverton, South Hedland and Broome.

An additional $214.1 million has been allocated for hospital and medical equipment maintenance, supplementing more than $1.1 billion already committed over the next four years.

The Cook Labor Government is also investing heavily in programs designed to ease pressure on emergency departments and provide more community-based care.

A $43.2 million commitment will continue the Ambulance Mental Health Co-response service, which supports people experiencing mental health crises and helps divert patients away from emergency departments into more appropriate care settings.

Another $52.3 million will fund the Active Recovery Team Program, providing intensive community-based treatment and wraparound mental health support services.

To improve primary healthcare access in underserved areas, the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot will receive a $4.1 million boost to train up to 200 additional pharmacists to provide frontline healthcare services where GP access is limited.

Preventative health measures are also a major focus of the Budget, with $27.1 million allocated to free influenza, FluMist and RSV immunisation programs for mothers, babies and older Western Australians living in residential aged care.

Other major health investments include:

• $100.9 million for the Bunbury Regional Hospital redevelopment;
• $24.4 million for the Meekatharra Hospital redevelopment;
• $5.4 million for the Armadale Mental Health Emergency Centre;
• $3.7 million to support Sexual Assault Support Services and the Sexual Assault Resource Centre;
• $2.8 million for a new community clinic at Bentley Health Service; and
• $800,000 for a State-wide LGBTIQA+ inclusive health workforce training package.

The initiatives build on the Government's previously announced $140 million winter strategy aimed at managing demand across the WA health system.

The Budget also supports the development of the Perkins WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Perth through joint funding from the Cook and Albanese Labor Governments.

At the same time, the Government is increasing the Building Hospitals Fund by $500 million, bringing the total value of the fund to $2 billion.

Premier Roger Cook said the Budget demonstrated the Government's commitment to ensuring Western Australians could access healthcare when they need it.

"Our responsible Budget management has kept WA's economy the strongest in the nation so we can continue to increase hospital capacity, deliver alternatives to emergency departments, and invest in our health workforce," he said.

Treasurer Rita Saffioti described the package as the largest health investment in State history, while Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the funding would improve healthcare access for Western Australians at every stage of life.

Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey said the State's largest-ever hospital building program would significantly expand capacity across metropolitan and regional WA, while Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said the investments would help lay the foundation for WA's first preventative health strategy.

Aged Care and Seniors Minister Simone McGurk said the Government was preparing for WA's ageing population through expanded services and support pathways, while Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said continued investment in research and innovation would help position Western Australia as a national leader in medical advancement.