Member for Wollongong Paul Scully has challenged the Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast, Gareth Ward, to match his funding pledge for the upgrade of the Wollongong Hospital maternity unit and children’s ward

Mr Ward has told the Illawarra media countless times in the last week that he wanted a “bidding war” in the Illawarra for projects.

The Liberals have matched Labor’s pledge to build the Unanderra Station lifts, although the timeframe for the start of works under the Liberal announcement remains unclear.

However, the Liberals have said nothing about upgrading the maternity unit and children’s ward at Wollongong Hospital.

NSW Labor pledged $5 million for the upgrade of the maternity unit and $4.5 million for the children’s ward.

This commitment was made yesterday during the second visit by NSW Labor Leader Michael Daley to Wollongong in as many days. 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has yet to visit the third largest city in New South Wales.

Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:

“Gareth Ward has been saying for the last week he wanted a “bidding war” on projects for the Illawarra.

“Why has he not put a single cent on the table to upgrade the maternity unit and children’s ward at Wollongong Hospital?

“I’ve got my bid and I’m challenging Gareth Ward to match it today.”