Bowral Hospital needs a hand-out, too

Dear Mr Howard,

Very nice of you to discover that Devonport Hospital is in need of extra funding. Shame that you have only discovered this, after discovering that it is on the Federal Electorate of Barton, held by one of your loyal supporters, with a margin of 2%.

Can you please have a close look at the Bowral District Hospital?
It is an old hospital, based upon a 1930s model, by appearances. It is a rabbit warren of a building, and moderately comfortable, and the staff are said to be friendly, but it takes more than that to make a good hospital. It takes staff, and staffing takes funding. It also takes a few overseas trained doctors, (but please don't mention that to Mr Kevin Andrews).

The problem with Bowral Hospital is that it is in the safe Liberal-held electorate of Hume. The Australian Electoral Commission site describes Hume as:

Seat Status: Safe Liberal

Two Party Preferred:

LP: 64.13% ALP: 35.87%

So, what is the logic here - nice Southern Highland people vote for your Government, and get ignored by you, and the local member, Alby Schultz MP.

The fickle people of Braddon get rewarded for their electoral disloyalty, by getting their hospital funded by Federal Intervention - a gift from on high.

There is no logic in ignoring loyal supporters, and funding the fence-sitters - unless it is a feeble political gesture on your part. Surely not!