New WCH legislation clears parliament
Construction of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital at the historic Thebarton Police Barracks has been “ensured” after legislation cleared both houses of state parliament late on Wednesday night following 10 hours of debate.
Render of the proposed new Women's and Children's Hospital, on the site of the current Thebarton Police Barracks adjacent to Bonython Park. Image supplied by State Govt.
The passage of the New Women’s and Children’s Hospital Bill 2022 allows the government to bypass protections to 10 existing buildings on the heritage-listed site to fast-track the construction of the $3.2 billion hospital.
In a statement, the government said the bill “removes planning and development barriers that could increase the new hospital’s cost and construction timeframe”.
The plan for the new hospital has attracted criticism from heritage advocates who say the onsite buildings, some which are more than 100 years old, should be saved from demolition.
Earlier this month, the government passed the same bill in the Legislative Council with the support of SA Best and One Nation’s Sarah Game.
Minister for Health Chris Picton said he was “grateful” the legislation has passed .
“I am grateful both houses have supported this legislation to fast-track building a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital that sets us up for the long term,” Picton said.
“We will now get on with delivering our commitment to provide better care for children, increase capacity in our hospitals and boost parklands access for families.”
Last week, the SA chapter of the Australian Architects Institute reignited calls for a parliamentary committee to scrutinise the development.
