Inverell Shire Council has taken part in the State Government Inquiry into the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025.
On 22 August 2025, Mayor Cr Kate Dight addressed the Inquiry panel. The Bill, introduced by the Independent Member for Barwon, Mr Roy Butler MP, proposes splitting the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) to address concerns about service levels and communication.
Council had previously made a submission supporting the Inquiry and provided feedback on the potential impacts of the proposed split, while seeking further information on how the Bill would improve service delivery and communication across the district. Submissions to the Inquiry closed on 12 April 2025.
Mayor Cr Dight said participation in the Inquiry was an important opportunity to represent Inverell Shire residents.
“Our focus was on ensuring that any changes to the health district result in improved services, better communication, and fair access to health care for our community. It was valuable to engage directly with the Inquiry panel and provide local perspectives alongside our neighbouring councils,” Cr Dight said.
Council will continue to monitor developments relating to the Bill and the Inquiry’s findings as they progress through Parliament.
Speaking on STA FM last week, Mayor Dight says Council doesn’t necessarily support the splitting of the health district but instead, working with Hunter New England Health for better outcomes.
