In an exclusive interview before his visit to Warrnambool on Tuesday, Mr Hockey told The Standard that integrated cancer care for the region was a high health priority for the Coalition

"Peter's Project has gained huge momentum in south-west Victoria and I look forward to talking with those involved," Mr Hockey said.

"It seems like the federal government is defying its own criteria on radiotherapy and MRI licensing.

"I'm sure there'll be plenty of people out there willing to fill me in on the details."

Mr Hockey added that the federal government's health reform would be of little benefit to south-west Victorian patients.

"I was surprised how (Premier) John Brumby folded in the end," Mr Hockey said.

"Victoria already has case-mix funding and local hospital boards so there is not much change for south-west Victorian hospitals.

"The reform is quite impossible to decipher but appears to be more of a power grab than anything else."

Mr Hockey said he would examine the need for duplication of Princes Highway west.

While he would not commit to giving the stretch of highway Auslink status, he said the case for increased funding was strong.

"The last time I went to Warrnambool, I noted that it was a prime tourist destination, so I'm sure traffic would be an issue along the highway, especially in summer," he said.

Mr Hockey will meet with Peter's Project members and attend a Liberal Party dinner in Warrnambool as part of his tour of the region.

When asked about Wannon's transition from long-serving member David Hawker to a new MP, Mr Hockey endorsed Liberal candidate Daniel Tehan's bid for the seat.

"Wannon expects someone to contribute at a national level and I think Dan Tehan's the man for the job," Mr Hockey said.