On 15 September 2020, after a long and challenging community fight, Mildura Base Hospital was brought back into public management after 20 years of privatisation. Immediately, this meant hardworking staff could access salary packaging, community fundraising could recommence, and all operational funding could be used for staff and patients, without profits being skimmed off the top.
In the 2021-22 Budget, the State Gov funded a $2million Masterplan for a new or redeveloped MBPH. The Government recognised the MBPH building was too small when it was first built for-profit by a private company decades ago, and this was compounded by a clause in the private contract that required no infrastructure upgrades. Today, the building is vastly inadequate for the population it serves.
It is now 2025, and the State Government has not formally released the MBPH Masterplan or made a funding commitment to build a new or redeveloped MBPH. However, in June 2025, an architectural rendering of the planned MBPH was inadvertently leaked by an architectural firm. This brought into focus how close we were to securing the capital funding, and the importance of continuing the fight.
Ali is a former State MP and longtime advocate for public healthcare and Mildura Base Public Hospital.
Stephen Parr is a local healthcare policy and management expert, and was a pivotal force in Reclaim the Base.
The Build the Base team will be rolling out an ongoing series of high-impact, attention-grabbing activities designed to keep this issue top of mind of the Victorian State Government.
We need YOU to help make an impression.
For information about activities and events, follow us on Facebook, or drop us a line anytime at hello@buildthebase.com.au
