John Hatzistergos, standing in as Minister for Health following the sudden resignation of John Della Bosca, answered a number of questions relating to the hospital redevelopment from Nationals parliamentary secretary for rural health, Jenny Gardiner.

As well as reaffirming the Government’s commitment to commence construction of the project before the next state election, Mr Hatzistergos said it was anticipated both the service procurement plan and the Project Development Plan documentation would be completed and endorsed by the second quarter of 2010.

Work would start in the first quarter 2011.

He also confirmed Mr Della Bosca’s recent commitment to visit the Tamworth area and discuss the redevelopment would be honoured by the new minister for health.