Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast) (17:19): I thank the member for Kiama for introducing this debate. The member never disappoints me. He is always the showman, and I am sure that he practises his performances in this place like he is with the Bomaderry players. That performance did not let the truth get in the way of publicity—rile up the community over something that is not an issue, run a fear campaign and claim a win. The member for Kiama is a master at it. In fact, he even mentioned the rainforest. The member suggested that we were—

Ms LIZA BUTLER: The suggestion that we were clearing rainforest at the site immediately comes to mind. What really happened was a fire trail was repaired so that the driveway could be repaired and access to the hospital could be maintained while the work was undertaken. It is time for a history lesson. David Berry, whom the town of Berry is named after, left the princely sum—as the member for Kiama said—of£100,000 in his will in 1889. It is of note that the main reason David Berry wanted the hospital to be built was so local Aboriginal women could give birth in a hospital as, at the time, they were not allowed to give birth in Shoalhaven hospital. I acknowledge Uncle Gerry and Uncle Tom Moore and the wider Jerrinja and First Nations community. I understand that that place holds great importance for all of them and that they have strong ties to David Berry Hospital and its surrounds.

I also acknowledge the people in the gallery. There are strong emotional ties to the hospital among the residents of Berry, Shoalhaven Heads and surrounding areas. Nearly all of them have visited a family member or friend over the past 37 years who has accessed either palliative care or rehabilitation services at the hospital. The people of Berry understand that the hospital was gifted, and in 1906 the David Berry Hospital Act was passed by the New South Wales Government. That Act determines what can and cannot be done with David Berry Hospital. Until that has been determined by legal experts, nothing will be decided. David Berry Hospital is now 115 years old and, while it has served the community well, it needs major repairs if it is to continue to operate. The previous Government decided to close the current services and move them to the refurbished Shoalhaven hospital, once completed. Thank you to the Voice of David Berry Hospital website for its clear and accurate information. In fact, residents of Berry tell me that at the time the move was announced descriptions such as "old" and "not fit for purpose" were used.

The previous Government released the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment plan in December 2021. The plan outlined that the hospital staff and services would be moved to purpose-built facilities in the Shoalhaven hospital in late 2026 as part of the redevelopment. In 2021, in regard to the future of David Berry Hospital once services transitioned to Shoalhaven hospital, then Minister the Hon. Brad Hazzard gave the following guarantee to the member for Kiama:

I give you an undertaking, in fact I guarantee it, there will be maximum consultation with you and the local community.

Guess what? Nothing has changed. A number of options could be considered for David Berry Hospital, and I have discussed them with the member for Kiama. But until actions under the David Berry Hospital Act 1906 have been interpreted, nothing can or will be decided. The Minns Government will continue to invest in health services on the South Coast, and we will determine exactly what can be done with David Berry Hospital. I put on record that the Minister for Health has made a commitment to do exactly what the previous Government committed to: We will consult with the community before any decisions are made regarding the future use of David Berry Hospital.