Mr J. BULL (Sunbury) — Prior to the July federal election the federal opposition committed a total of $4 million to Sunbury: $2 million for the child health hub at Sunbury Community Health Centre and $2 million for the important Sunbury global learning centre. We now know that the federal opposition did not win the election but came mighty close — an outstanding effort. Unfortunately the federal Liberal government did not match this vital funding, and now Sunbury is short-changed to a tune of $4 million. That is $4 million that would have made a great difference to the community.

It is $4 million that would have gone a long way.

Both of these projects are vital for the growing community. The child health hub at Sunbury Community Health was designed to ensure that Sunbury children receive the very best access to health services without having to travel — services like audiology, speech pathology and physiotherapy. The child health hub was also to serve as a great early intervention and support system for families and children with a disability so they were able to access services and facilities before they got to a critical point. The Sunbury global learning centre is a critical project that Sunbury needs. I know the member for Broadmeadows shares my passion for this project.

I have since written to the federal member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, and asked that he keep fighting for this very important funding.

Once again the federal government has neglected Sunbury.

I call on the Prime Minister to address both of these funding needs — that is, to respond to the need for a child health hub and to provide the important additional and much-needed funding for the new Sunbury global learning centre.