INTERESTED stakeholders now have more time to have their say on the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025 with the deadline for submissions extended to May 8.

The proposed Bill aims to dissolve the current Hunter New England Local Health District to establish two new districts – Hunter Local Health District and the New England Northwest Local Health District.

Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, has urged the public and concerned parties to put forward their submissions to have their input counted on the future of healthcare in the region.

“It is so important that the community is heard on this crucial issue,” he said.

“An extension has been granted to ensure everyone has a fair say on the future of healthcare in our region.

“I encourage the public outline their concerns and make a submission to the Legislative Assembly Committee on Community Services before submissions close on 8 May.”

The Committee on Community Services is holding an inquiry into the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025 after it was referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on February 20.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan is encouraging the public to have their say on the future of healthcare in the region.

Committee chair, Clayton Barr, said the Bill proposes splitting the Hunter New England Local Health District (LHD) into the Hunter LHD and the New England North West LHD.

“The Bill was introduced by the member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to improve health services in the Hunter New England LHD by splitting the existing district into two separate health districts,” Mr Barr said.

“The committee will be looking at how this proposal would operate, including potential benefits and risks, and whether it would improve health services in the Hunter New England area.

“We would like to hear from the public and interested stakeholders about issues such as the potential impact on the administration of the LHD, funding and resourcing, staffing, and access to health services in rural and regional parts of the Hunter New England area.”

The Committee is inviting submissions from councils, peak bodies, unions, stakeholders in the health sector, and the public.

Submissions can be made by visiting the Official Inquiry Page on the Parliament NSW website.