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Latest coverage of the Albury-Wodonga hospital campaign and AWH governance.

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hospitalThe Border Mail19 Aug 2026

Plans for a private Albury Wodonga cancer centre awaiting council approval

Ramsay Health has submitted plans to council for a new private cancer centre in Albury-Wodonga, following AWH's takeover of the public Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre in January 2026. The transition of the cancer centre to public management triggered concerns from clinicians, and the new private proposal signals ongoing tension in the region's cancer care landscape. The plans are currently awaiting local council approval.

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hospitalThe Border Mail18 Aug 2026

Albury hospital plans hint at space for multi-storey car park

Updated plans for the Albury hospital redevelopment reveal space has been left for a future multi-storey car park, though no funding has been committed for it. NSW Health Infrastructure executive director Amanda Bock indicated a car park could be possible in a future stage dependent on additional government funding. Greens MP Dr Amanda Cohn and Albury mayor Kevin Mack criticised the report as misleading, while health advocates and Border MPs questioned why the car park was scrapped from the $558 million redevelopment.

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hospitalNSW Government Health Infrastructure17 Aug 2026

Main works planning application for Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital Clinical Services Building now on exhibition

The $558 million Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project has reached a major milestone with the main works planning application for a new seven-storey Clinical Services Building now open for public exhibition. The building will add 110 overnight beds, advanced operating theatres, a new ICU, cardiac catheterisation lab, expanded maternity services, and a 32-bed Mental Health Unit. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 following planning approval and appointment of a main works contractor.

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hospitalThe Border Mail17 Aug 2026

New plans for Albury hospital on exhibition for public feedback

Plans for the clinical services building — the centrepiece of the $558 million Albury-Wodonga hospital redevelopment — have been placed on public exhibition. The joint Commonwealth/NSW/Victorian project will house maternity services relocated from Wodonga campus, with construction expected to begin in early 2027. Services must first move to the Northeast building, scheduled for completion by late 2026.

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governanceThe Border Mail15 Aug 2026

Albury Wodonga Health CEO Susan Delroi pledges in-person AGMs and open door to Better Border Health

New AWH chief executive Susan Delroi has pledged to restore in-person annual general meetings following last years controversial online-only AGM. Delroi confirmed she is open to meeting with Better Border Health, and acknowledged the difficult past six to nine months for staff and previous leadership. Former interim CEO Professor Andrew Way had only one day of overlap with Delroi before departing.

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governanceGannawarra Times14 Aug 2026

Farley vows to fight for Farrer in maiden speech to Parliament

One Nation MP David Farley delivered his maiden speech to the House of Representatives on 12 August 2026, declaring regional Australia an asset for the nation to unleash. Farley raised the Murray-Darling Basin water policy and immigration as priorities, while reaffirming his commitment to health services and infrastructure for the Farrer electorate. His election in the May 2026 Farrer by-election — the first One Nation win in the House of Representatives — has shifted political dynamics around the Albury Wodonga hospital campaign.

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regionalABC News14 Aug 2026

Ballarat emergency department staff say recent death highlights regional health system failures

Ballarat Base Hospital ED staff say the death of a patient left unattended in the waiting room exposes catastrophic failures in regional Victorian hospital care. The ABC's reporting confirmed Albury is among the highest in the state for patients exceeding 24-hour ED stays, alongside Ballarat and Bendigo. Staff describe chronic pressure-cooker conditions, with workers leaving in droves.

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hospitalNSW Government12 Aug 2026

Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital Project Update August 2026

The NSW Government has released the August 2026 project update for the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital Project, documenting progress on the $558 million brownfield redevelopment. Key milestones include the Northeast Building on track for completion in late 2026 and 21 health worker accommodation units recently completed. The update was published on 12 August 2026 and forms the official government record of works.

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hospitalThe Border Mail12 Aug 2026

Farrer byelection candidates debate Coalition's $200m hospital pledge at Better Border Health forum

Farrer by-election candidates debated the likelihood of the Coalition's $200 million top-up pledge for the Albury hospital redevelopment at a Better Border Health community forum. One Nation's David Farley maintained a greenfield hospital was a long way off and he was unaware of potential sites, before being fact-checked by Greens MP Amanda Cohn. The Wodonga mayor told Farley there were no fewer than four potential greenfield sites, and advocates noted Albury hospital operates at 125% capacity daily.

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governanceCorowa Free Press12 Aug 2026

Federation Council urges public exhibition for Albury hospital redevelopment amid greenfield vs brownfield debate

Federation Council has formally called on the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to allow a standard 28-day public exhibition period for the Albury hospital redevelopment document, seeking community input on bed counts, parking and whether the site would be greenfield or brownfield. The move reflects growing regional council concern that communities bordering Albury-Wodonga are not being adequately consulted.

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governanceDaily Mail Australia / AAP11 Aug 2026

David Farley delivers maiden speech after Farrer by-election win sends shockwaves through Canberra

One Nation MP David Farley, who won the Farrer by-election in May 2026 breaking the Coalition's 70-year hold on the seat, delivered his maiden speech in the House of Representatives on August 11. Farley focused on sovereignty and national resilience, warning Australia must be able to stand on its own in a more fragmented world. As the federal MP for the electorate covering Albury-Wodonga, Farley is a key figure in cross-border hospital governance politics.

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hospitalThe Border Mail11 Aug 2026

Border cancer wellness centre attendance drops after AWH shifts to public-only model

The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre wellness program is experiencing an unexplained drop in attendance linked to the centre transitioning to a public-only model on July 1, 2026, after Albury Wodonga Health and Ramsay Health Care ended their arrangement. The Sunshine Trust expressed concern about the impact on community cancer support services in the border region. The change reflects ongoing structural shifts at AWH following governance reforms.

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regionalThe Border Mail11 Aug 2026

David Farley warns on migrants, water plan in maiden speech

One Nation Farrer MP David Farley delivered his maiden speech to the House of Representatives on August 11, pledging to strengthen regional towns, improve health services and protect water security. Farley also warned against migration that expects Australia to change and called for Australia-first management of water resources. His speech marks the first address to federal parliament by One Nation's inaugural lower-house MP following his Farrer by-election win in May 2026.

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regionalABC News11 Aug 2026

Sussan Ley left Australia after being axed as Coalition leader. On America's road to nowhere, she found herself — as One Nation's rise in Farrer continues

Former Liberal leader Sussan Ley gave her first interview since leaving politics, speaking about the rise of One Nation and David Farley winning her former seat of Farrer after the May 2026 by-election. Ley said she supports multiculturalism and sees Australia as fundamentally different to the divided United States. The piece examines One Nation's continued momentum since the Farrer result and Pauline Hanson's growing national profile.

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hospitalABC News10 Aug 2026

Regional emergency departments overcrowded and risking patient safety, doctors say

Victorian health data shows 70% of patients stranded in EDs for 24+ hours are in regional hospitals, with Albury among the worst — noting that Albury services many Victorians. AWH acknowledged the pressure on its workforce in response to the report. Regional hospital doctors have begun industrial action over pay and conditions from today.

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regionalThe Senior10 Aug 2026

One Nation Farrer MP David Farley on first 100 days in Canberra

Farrer MP David Farley reflects on his first 100 days in federal parliament following his May 2026 by-election victory that made him One Nation's first elected lower house MP. The article covers Farley's priorities for the electorate which spans Albury-Wodonga and surrounding regions where the hospital redevelopment debate remains a live issue. Farley had been a vocal presence on regional service delivery during the by-election campaign.

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governanceNewcastle Herald9 Aug 2026

One Nation's Farrer MP David Farley on first 100 days in Canberra

Farrer MP David Farley reflects on his first 100 days after winning the May 2026 by-election for One Nation — the party's first direct House of Representatives win. Farley attended the opening of the $9.5M AWH health worker housing with federal ministers, and was photographed at the beginning of the new Albury hospital construction alongside Justin Clancy and NSW regional minister Tara Moriarty. The article outlines his electorate priorities including regional health infrastructure.

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governanceACM Regional (South Coast Register)9 Aug 2026

One Nation's Farrer MP David Farley on first 100 days in Canberra

One Nation MP David Farley, who won the Farrer federal by-election on 9 May 2026 with 39.5% of the primary vote, reflects on his first 100 days in parliament. The article notably reports that Farley joined Albury MP Justin Clancy, NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and Albury mayor Kevin Mack to officially mark the beginning of construction at the Albury hospital site. This signals cross-party and cross-border political alignment on the hospital project.

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hospitalThe Border Mail9 Aug 2026

One Nation Farrer MP David Farley on first 100 days — joins Albury hospital construction start

Farrer MP David Farley reflects on his first 100 days in parliament and priorities for the electorate. Albury MP Justin Clancy, NSW Minister Tara Moriarty, Albury mayor Kevin Mack and Farley jointly marked the beginning of construction on the new Albury hospital. The article underscores cross-party involvement in the hospital redevelopment and signals growing political attention to the AWH project.

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hospitalABC News6 Aug 2026

Inquest into Kate Manley death examines Albury Hospital transfer delays

A five-day NSW coronial inquest has concluded into the death of Kate Manley at Albury Wodonga Health's Albury Hospital in November 2022. Evidence revealed Ms Manley waited five hours to be transferred from the psychiatric ward Nolan House to a medical ward, during which communication failures between wards may have contributed to her death from a pulmonary embolism. The inquest recommended both NSW Health and Victoria's Department of Health implement a unified electronic medical record across AWH services.

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regionalMirage News5 Aug 2026

Council backs Corowa Hospital redevelopment as pressure mounts on regional health services near Albury

Federation Council formally endorsed a submission to the Murrumbidgee Local Health District calling for a full redevelopment of Corowa Hospital, with improvements including 24-hour emergency services, expanded operating theatres and new CT services. Mayor Cheryl Cook noted the redevelopment was needed to reduce pressure on major regional centres including Albury, Wangaratta and Wagga Wagga. Member for Albury Justin Clancy MP was cited as having joined councils and community groups in advocating for the Corowa hospital site.

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governanceThe Daily Advertiser2 Aug 2026

McCormack takes aim at One Nation as party confirms it is coming for Riverina

Nationals MP Michael McCormack has warned that protest votes carry economic consequences, referencing One Nation's David Farley winning Farrer in May 2026 as a cautionary example. One Nation confirmed it is targeting Riverina at the next federal election, with Pauline Hanson and Farley having celebrated their Farrer by-election win together. McCormack noted that Farley had missed more parliamentary divisions in a single day than he had during his entire career.

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hospitalBorder Mail1 Aug 2026

New AWH CEO Susan Delroi attends cancer technology launch at Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre

New Albury Wodonga Health CEO Susan Delroi — from Rutherglen and in only her second week in the role — attended the unveiling of two new breast cancer detection devices at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. The Sunshine Trust funding brings its total investment in the Cancer Centre to nearly $3 million. The CEO appointment follows the resignation of previous CEO in March 2026.

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governanceThe Guardian1 Aug 2026

Is One Nation big enough for Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson? Rumours of internal ructions abound

Following One Nation's historic Farrer by-election win, persistent Canberra rumours suggest Barnaby Joyce has a strained relationship with Farrer MP David Farley, who already appears to be distancing himself from the One Nation brand. The article examines internal tensions within One Nation as it gains unprecedented representation in the lower house following Farley's election. Farley's position as the sole One Nation lower house MP increases scrutiny of his policy priorities including cross-border health issues.

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hospitalABC News31 July 2026

Inquest begins over care given prior to death of Kate Manley at Albury Hospital

A NSW coronial inquest has commenced into the medical care provided to Kate Manley, 46, an involuntary patient admitted to the mental health ward at Albury Wodonga Health in November 2022. Manley died five days after admission from a suspected pulmonary embolism, with the inquest examining adequacy of care and physical health assessment. The two-week inquest is being heard at Albury Local Court.

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governanceBorder Mail31 July 2026

Health minister Harriet Shing resigns amid hospital push

Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing has resigned from cabinet and announced she will not contest the November state election, creating a third health minister in six months. Those advocating for a greenfield hospital in Albury-Wodonga are described as only moderately hopeful the ministerial vacancy will shift the government position on the $558 million brownfield redevelopment. Better Border Health director Stan Stavros called for an early meeting with Premier Ben Carroll and the incoming health minister.

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hospitalBorder Mail31 July 2026

Coroner investigating Kate Manley death at Albury Hospital

The coronial inquest into Kate Manley's death at Albury Wodonga Health is examining whether she received adequate care, whether her mental health diagnosis was appropriate, and whether her physical health was properly assessed during her admission. Manley died in November 2022 from a pulmonary embolism while detained as an involuntary patient in the psychiatric ward. The case raises broader questions about the standard of care at AWH.

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governanceBorder Mail30 July 2026

Nationals open Farrer preselection to challenge One Nation MP David Farley

The Nationals have begun Farrer preselection for the 2028 federal election, aiming to have a candidate in place by the end of 2026 to challenge One Nation MP David Farley. Farley, who won the Farrer by-election in May 2026 — the first House of Representatives seat ever won directly by One Nation — has yet to deliver his maiden speech. The early preselection move reflects the Nationals' urgency to reclaim the seat where the Liberals collapsed to 12.4% of the vote.

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governanceABC News30 July 2026

Victorian ministers Harriet Shing and Lily D'Ambrosio announce retirement

Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing and Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio have announced they will step down from cabinet and will not contest the November 2026 state election. Shing resigned after advising Premier Ben Carroll she would not stand for re-election, creating uncertainty over direction on major health projects including the Albury Wodonga Health redevelopment. This will be the third Victorian health minister in six months.

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hospitalThe Border Mail30 July 2026

Coalition's $200 million hospital funding promise sparks debate

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor pledged $200 million to complete current construction at Albury Wodonga Health and secure a greenfield site for future hospital development. Key figures including Dr Lachlan McKeeman and Indi MP Helen Haines criticised the promise as too little, too late in the ongoing brownfield versus greenfield debate. The pledge has reignited discussion about the long-term infrastructure direction for cross-border health services in the region.

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governanceThe Border Mail30 July 2026

PM dismisses funding for new Border hospital during Albury visit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Albury's urgent care clinic on Hume Street but rejected any prospect of the federal government funding a new Border hospital, saying it is a matter for the states. The PM's dismissal drew criticism from hospital advocates who argue federal involvement is essential given AWH's unique cross-border governance structure. The stance contrasts with the Opposition's $200 million promise for both the current AWH redevelopment and a future greenfield site.

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generalQueensland Country Life29 July 2026

One Nation surge: new modelling predicts Nationals wipeout across rural and regional areas

Modelling from Demos Australia predicts the Nationals could be reduced to zero to two federal seats at the next election, driven partly by One Nation's David Farley winning the Farrer by-election in May 2026. The analysis has significant implications for the Albury-Wodonga region, now represented federally by One Nation for the first time. The political realignment may affect future federal advocacy for a new cross-border hospital in Albury-Wodonga.

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governanceRiverine Herald28 July 2026

David Farley (One Nation, Farrer) on Grand Winter Tour of electorate including Albury

Federal Member for Farrer David Farley is conducting his "Grand Farrer Winter Tour" — his first extended visit to electorate communities since winning the May by-election — meeting business chambers, councils, and community groups. The tour covers Albury, Greater Hume, Griffith, Corowa and surrounding Murray basin communities, with water security, rising costs and regional futures emerging as key themes. Farley has been visible in Albury, noted by the city mayor, as he firms up priority areas for his term.

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generalHarden Murrumburrah Express26 July 2026

One Nation's rise in new heartland a warning to majors after Farrer by-election

David Farley's historic One Nation win at the Farrer by-election in May 2026 has sent shockwaves through federal politics, with Albury and the broader electorate becoming a hotspot for political activity from all parties. Albury City Mayor Kevin Mack noted politicians 'going to the opening of envelopes' as they fight for visibility in the new One Nation heartland. Political analysts say the Farrer result will ripple into the next federal election campaign as major parties scramble to respond to the populist surge.

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governanceThe Nightly26 July 2026

One Nation's rise in new heartland a warning to majors after Farrer by-election

Analysis of the Farrer by-election result shows David Farley's One Nation win is being felt across Albury-Wodonga, with Albury Mayor Kevin Mack noting the MP's regular presence in the electorate but saying no tangible support has yet materialised for Albury or Wodonga. Dr Jill Sheppard says the result may create a ripple effect through national politics. The hospital situation in Albury-Wodonga was a key local issue during the campaign.

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regionalRiverine Herald24 July 2026

Farley faces Farrer's future fears after historic One Nation by-election win

Newly elected One Nation federal member David Farley is touring the Farrer electorate following his May 2026 by-election win, with healthcare emerging as a key regional priority. Farley has criticised Federal Government health policy as lagging behind modern standards, stating the region is being left with 1980s technology. His election, which saw One Nation achieve a 32.9 percentage-point primary vote swing, puts a spotlight on cross-border health issues including the Albury-Wodonga hospital situation.

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governanceThe Border Mail22 July 2026

Professor Andrew Way reflects on Albury Wodonga Health turnaround as new CEO takes over

Outgoing interim CEO Professor Andrew Way has reflected on his nearly four-month tenure at Albury Wodonga Health, describing the changes as necessary after Bill Appleby resigned amid two staff no-confidence votes. He reshuffled the executive team, reinstated banned clinicians including Dr David Clancy and nurse Geoff Hudson, and streamlined recruitment from seven to three approval levels. Permanent CEO Susan Del Roi commenced the role on 17 July 2026.

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regionalThe Border Mail22 July 2026

Corowa Hospital redevelopment plan backed with surgery, dialysis and 24-hour emergency services

A proposed redevelopment plan for Corowa Hospital outlines an operating theatre, dialysis treatment, CT scanner, and 24-hour emergency services, impressing local councillors. Concerns had been raised about patients being transferred to Albury-Wodonga for emergency treatment from the under-resourced Corowa facility. Albury MP Justin Clancy helped broker release of the full document to local health advisory committee members after the original consultation deadline had passed.

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generalThe Grazier21 July 2026

How the Farrer by-election sent Australians searching for their political parties

An analysis of Google Trends data shows the May 2026 Farrer by-election, won by One Nation's David Farley, triggered significant spikes in Australians searching online for political parties. Farley's win — the first time a One Nation candidate has been directly elected to the House of Representatives — came after Sussan Ley vacated the seat following a Liberal leadership spill. One Nation's primary vote reached 31% nationally in the weeks after the result.

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generalGulf Times21 July 2026

David Farley wins Farrer seat for One Nation with 59.3% of the two-party vote

One Nation candidate David Farley, a 69-year-old irrigation specialist and former agribusiness CEO, won the federal seat of Farrer with 59.3% of the two-party preferred vote, defeating the incumbent in a decisive result. The win has been cited as a significant political shift in regional Australia, with Farley pledging to advocate for Albury-Wodonga hospital and cross-border health issues. Farley subsequently broke One Nation party ranks on two separate parliamentary votes, signalling an independent streak.

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governanceABC News21 July 2026

Former Albury Wodonga surgeon Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt suspended by tribunal

Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt, a surgeon formerly at Albury Wodonga Health, has had her surgical registration suspended for six months following 13 patient complaints including a missed cancer diagnosis and a catastrophic error that contributed to a patient's death. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal found she spent as little as five minutes performing colonoscopies, and Safer Care Victoria was forced to recall almost 2,000 of her Wodonga Hospital colonoscopy patients. Schmidt now works at Tumut and Griffith hospitals and is subject to strict conditions on her return to practice.

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hospitalSydney Morning Herald21 July 2026

Surgeon banned for six months after patient death and botched colonoscopies at Albury Wodonga Health

Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt has been found guilty of professional misconduct and suspended for six months by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for spending as little as five minutes performing colonoscopies on patients at Albury Wodonga Health. The tribunal found her guilty over 13 patients, including a man who died after she operated on the wrong end of his colon and a woman whose bowel cancer she missed. The original investigation, sparked by incomplete colonoscopies between 2018 and 2022, led to recall of roughly 2,000 patients.

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hospitalThe Border Mail20 July 2026

Former Albury surgeon Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt suspended by tribunal

Former Albury Base Hospital surgeon Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt has been banned from practising for six months after a medical tribunal found she made a catastrophic error during an operation on a patient who later died, and conducted inadequate colonoscopies on at least five patients at Wodonga hospital. The tribunal cited a lack of insight and shifting of blame in its findings against the surgeon, who now works at Tumut and Griffith. The case raises ongoing questions about clinical standards and oversight at AWH-affiliated facilities.

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governanceThe Border Mail17 July 2026

NSW Health refuses additional information on Albury hospital plan

NSW Health has blocked access to the Albury-Wodonga hospital redevelopment business case under a ministerial protection clause, with Better Border Health director Stan Stavros criticising the lack of transparency. The released sections omitted any assessment of a greenfield site as an alternative to the $558 million brownfield plan, with Stavros and Albury MP Justin Clancy seeking a review. Greens MP Amanda Cohn also flagged concerns of secrecy by the Minns Labor government.

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governanceHealth Services Daily16 July 2026

NSW Health refuses FOI request for Albury hospital business case — Better Border Health responds

NSW Health has rejected an FOI request lodged by community group Better Border Health seeking details of the Albury-Wodonga hospital business case, citing a clause to protect ministerial positions. Better Border Health said the refusal raises fresh questions about clinician endorsement and decision-making behind the $558 million brownfield project. The group plans to appeal the decision.

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regionalABC News16 July 2026

Cross-border health issues highlighted after NSW patient claims they were refused care by ACT hospital

Cross-border healthcare governance is under scrutiny after a Googong (NSW) resident claimed her husband was refused transfer to a Canberra rehabilitation hospital because of his NSW residency, with many similar experiences reported. ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith acknowledged miscommunication and noted NSW pays $80-90 million annually to the ACT for cross-border patient services. The case directly parallels structural tensions at Albury-Wodonga where patients regularly cross state lines for care at AWH.

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generalWikipedia16 July 2026

Farrer by-election: One Nation makes history with first House of Representatives seat

The 2026 Farrer by-election on 9 May resulted in David Farley winning for One Nation, the party's first ever victory in the House of Representatives. The seat had previously been held by the Liberal-National Coalition before being lost following the resignation of the former member. Farley's win is being closely watched in the context of health advocacy in the Albury-Wodonga region.

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regionalThe Riverine Grazier15 July 2026

Hay responds: what the town says about the Farrer by-election result and David Farley

Following the Farrer by-election result, The Riverine Grazier surveyed Hay residents about the ABC coverage and the election of One Nation candidate David Farley. Community members expressed mixed views on the result, with some concerned about One Nation's reputation while others felt Farley himself was the drawcard rather than the party. Farley himself was quoted as not disputing that voters backed him personally rather than One Nation.

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hospitalThe Border Mail14 July 2026

NSW Health struggles to explain Albury hospital car parks amid redevelopment scrutiny

NSW Health executives were unable to clarify plans for 300 new car parks at Albury hospital during a parliamentary hearing, prompting shock from Greens MP Amanda Cohn. The confusion emerged as part of broader scrutiny of the $558 million brownfield redevelopment plan for Albury Base Hospital. Better Border Health has used the incident to underscore concerns about transparency and planning in the cross-border health project.

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hospitalThe Border Mail14 July 2026

Kristy McBain opens $9.5m Albury Wodonga health worker housing

Federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain officially opened the $9.5 million Albury Wodonga health worker accommodation on July 14, joined by federal MPs Dr Helen Haines and David Farley (One Nation, Farrer), along with AWH acting board chair Angela Verde and interim CEO Andrew Way. The prefabricated facility, jointly funded by federal and NSW governments, is designed to house visiting specialists and reduce AWH accommodation costs. Farrer MP David Farley attended in his new parliamentary capacity, marking his first major regional health engagement since winning the by-election.

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governanceThe Border Mail14 July 2026

Kevin Mack: Albury Mayor censured for improper conduct over hospital rally comments

Albury City mayor Kevin Mack has been formally censured by Albury Council for comments he made at a Corryong rally calling for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital, including personal remarks directed at the AWH chief executive officer. Albury Wodonga Health issued a statement saying its board was deeply concerned by the disparaging comments made about their CEO. The censure comes amid heated public debate about the greenfield versus brownfield hospital debate for the region.

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regionalThe Border Mail14 July 2026

One Nation MP David Farley attends Albury Wodonga health worker housing opening

New Farrer MP David Farley (One Nation) attended the official opening of the $9.5 million Albury Wodonga health worker accommodation on July 14 — his first notable appearance on the health stage since winning the Farrer by-election in May 2026. Dr Helen Haines noted that far more than the current committed amount would be needed to build the hospital the region needs. Justin Clancy (NSW, Albury) was absent, attending to parliamentary business in Sydney.

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governanceThe Border Mail14 July 2026

AWH operating under interim leadership amid redevelopment debate and political scrutiny

Albury Wodonga Health continues to operate under interim CEO Andrew Way and acting board chair Angela Verde as the organisation faces scrutiny on multiple fronts. The AWH board issued a public statement defending its CEO after Albury mayor Kevin Mack made personal comments about the executive at a Corryong rally. The censure of the mayor and board response highlights ongoing governance tensions at the cross-border health authority as the $558 million redevelopment remains contested.

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regionalABC News14 July 2026

Mystery surrounds sudden departure of Mildura Base Public Hospital chief executive

Mildura Base Public Hospital abruptly parted ways with CEO Terry Welch — who led the hospital through its privatisation-to-public transition since 2020 — with no reason provided by the board or the Victorian Department of Health. Acting CEO Matthew Jukes will lead the hospital while a permanent search begins. The unexplained departure mirrors regional hospital governance instability seen at AWH, where CEO Appleby resigned in March 2026 amid a 120-doctor no-confidence vote.

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regionalThe Border Mail14 July 2026

Coalition pledges $200 million Albury Wodonga Health fund, opening greenfield hospital pathway

The federal Coalition has pledged a $200 million Albury Wodonga Health infrastructure fund, which would open a pathway to a greenfield hospital development if the Coalition wins the 2028 federal election. The pledge was reportedly prompted by Liberal leader Angus Taylors brothers near-fatal medical experience in the region. The commitment directly challenges the current Labor-backed $558 million brownfield redevelopment at the existing Albury campus.

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hospitalAustralian Rural & Regional News14 July 2026

New health worker accommodation complete for Albury Wodonga region

A joint $9.5 million federal-NSW government investment has delivered 21 fully-furnished health worker accommodation units at Albury Hospital to attract and retain skilled medical staff in the border region. AWH interim CEO Professor Andrew Way said the units will generate savings from reduced accommodation costs for visiting specialists, funds that can be redirected to frontline services. The project complements the broader $558 million Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital redevelopment.

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governanceThe Border Mail13 July 2026

Liberal leader Jess Wilson hesitates on Albury Wodonga hospital

Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson declined to commit further funding beyond the $558 million already allocated for the Albury-Wodonga hospital redevelopment when visiting Wodonga on July 8, 2026. The hospital is running 30–50 beds short every day, and Wilson hedged on committing to cross-border health service discussions with the NSW Premier. Independent candidate Dr Lachlan McKeeman, affiliated with advocacy group Better Border Health, has fiercely opposed the current redevelopment plan.

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governanceThe Age11 July 2026

One Nation's Farrer win reshapes Victorian state politics ahead of November election

The Age reports that One Nation's historic Farrer by-election victory is reshaping Victoria's November 2026 state election campaign, with speculation One Nation could contest adjacent state seats like Murray Plains. Liberal leader Jess Wilson visited Wodonga to address the Albury-Wodonga hospital redevelopment issue as part of regional outreach efforts. The article draws a direct link between Farrer voter anger over hospital services and the broader political realignment underway.

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governanceThe Guardian9 July 2026

Angus Taylor warns of 'eternity of pain' if One Nation wins, attacks David Farley over parliamentary votes

Liberal leader Angus Taylor launched his strongest attack yet on One Nation, specifically targeting newly elected Farrer MP David Farley for voting with Greens and teal independents on several parliamentary motions. Taylor dismissed Farley's fitness for office as Farley's election — driven partly by Albury-Wodonga community anger over hospital services — continues to unsettle the Coalition. The dispute highlights the ongoing political fallout from the Farrer by-election result and what it means for regional health governance.

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governanceThe Riverine Grazier8 July 2026

From paddock to parliament: David Farley, One Nation MP for Farrer

A profile of newly elected One Nation MP David Farley, who won the federal seat of Farrer covering the Albury-Wodonga region in the 2026 by-election. Born in Narrandera in 1957, Farley spent decades in agribusiness before entering politics, holding a seat where the Albury Base Hospital and AWH redevelopment were central campaign issues. The article provides insight into Farley the man as he begins his parliamentary tenure representing the electorate.

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