The puzzle in question is the fate of the $100,000 that the State Government pledged – according to then NSW Premier, Morris Iemma – in the June 3, 2006, NSW Budget towards preliminary planning on the new Tamworth hospital.

We can’t help doubting the money was ever delivered – despite being the subject of a delightful “Dorothy Dix” exchange between Mr Iemma and independent member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, in the NSW parliament on June 7, 2006 – just four days after it was announced.

“Redevelopment of the (Tamworth) hospital is listed as a priority for development in the State infrastructure strategy,” Mr Iemma told Mr Draper in parliament.

“The $100,000 in the budget includes planning funds for this major upgrade.”

The Leader understands the $100,000 should have paid for the first step in any hospital redevelopment process – the preparation of a clinical services plan.

We were surprised to learn therefore that the long awaited clinical services plan for Tamworth – which was only signed off on either late last year or early this year – was paid for with funds allocated in the 2008 Budget.

NSW Health Infrastructure drew down $130,000 from $2 million that had been allocated for the next steps in the development of the hospital – the project definition and service procurement plans.

Work has not started on either of those plans. A project director won’t even be appointed until July this year at the earliest – well after the 2009/2010 NSW Budget has been announced.

We suspect – but cannot prove at this stage – that the $100,000 pledged in the 2006 Budget was never drawn down.

It seems likely the funds would have reverted to the State Government when work did not commence in the 2006/2007 financial year.

They would then have been rolled over into the second funding announcement in the 2008 State Budget.

Some government spends are just so good you have to announce them at least twice...