This multi-million dollar health project for our region means locals will be able to access a Medicare rebate for an estimated 3354 Medicare rebatable services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels. It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.

I’d like to thank my friend and parliamentary colleague Greg Hunt for recognising the importance of this service to our region. I’d also like to acknowledge my State colleague Stephen Bromhead who has spearheaded the campaign for the first two stages of the Manning Base Hospital upgrade worth $140 million.

This hospital upgrade has been planned to cater for an MRI service, and I’m delighted we have been able to make this multi-million dollar funding commitment as a federal government.

The MRI services at Manning Base will further lift its status as a key regional hospital on the coast. The $140 million redevelopment of the hospital will without doubt, be transformational for health service delivery in our region.

Our investment in MRI licences of over $375 million over the forward estimates for 50 new locations around the country delivers on the federal Nationals' commitment to improve access and outcomes for patients.