Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby says the decision to use legislation to speed up Northern Beaches Hospital negotiations proves the power of independents. 

The government today confirmed it will support the Northern Beaches Hospital (Voluntary Contract Termination) Bill 2025 introduced by Michael Regan, independent Member for Wakehurst, subject to government amendments. The bill gives the NSW Government a legal exit from the controversial public-private partnership (PPP) with Healthscope, so it can bring the troubled hospital into public hands. 

In parliament, Mr Regan described the contract as “an unfixable failure” and called for a “transparent, voluntary and fair exit.”

The government’s proposed amendments will allow the Minister for Health to issue a termination notice if negotiations fail, to avoid a drawn-out legal dispute and the public being liable for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Ms Scruby said she strongly supports this move.

“The Member for Wakehurst’s bill puts power back in the hands of the public, where it belongs,” said Ms Scruby.

“The Northern Beaches deserve better than a hospital in receivership. We can’t sit by and endure prolonged negotiations that risk unfair costs and risk patient safety.

“The hospital has failed us in its operations and is now failing to meet the expectations of the community in facilitating it being taken into public hands. Mr Regan’s legislation and the Government’s amendments clean up failings of the original deed negotiated by the former Liberal government.”

Ms Scruby has called for public accountability throughout the transition.

“This is a step forward for our community. But, we also need the process to be transparent. The public must be told what the hospital is worth, how any compensation is calculated, and when we can expect to see improved governance, staffing and patient care.

“I commend Michael Regan for taking the lead on this, and I welcome the government’s recognition that the prolonged negotiations or excessive costs to the taxpayer are indefensible. 

“Independents deliver. Michael Regan has proposed a smart, legislative solution to make sure that our community and the taxpayer aren’t taken for a ride.”