Thousands more Victorian children will receive earlier treatment at a leading paediatric hospital under a $31 million Labor pledge if it retains government.
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A new 30-bed ward and 20 extra rooms in the emergency department will be built at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, aiming to help sick children sooner.
Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement at the hospital on Tuesday saying Labor had originally built it with room to grow, and the "shell spaces" would finally be fitted out, if his government is re-elected on Saturday.
"This is no doubt the best paediatric hospital anywhere in the world ... and everyday, (there are) so many acts of kindness and skills, and love and care," he said.
"More of our precious Victorians will be able to get the time-critical care they need in a faster and much better environment."
Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the expansion would enable about an extra 13,000 children to be treated each year.
She batted away criticism the money could be used on other hospitals in greater need, saying investment in the Royal Children's was vital.
Earlier on Tuesday, Labor vowed to make energy retailers who rip off Victorians face tougher penalties if re-elected.
Big energy companies who wrongfully disconnect customers will have their civil penalty notices doubled to $250,000 and door-to-door sales and cold calling telemarketers harassing families will be stopped under the proposal.
"Hard working Victorians are sick of being ripped off by energy retailers, so we're putting an end to it. It's clear when it comes to a fairer deal on power prices, only Labor is on the side of Victorian families," Mr Andrews said in a statement.
On a different policy front, Labor is riding the election wave, offering Surfing Victoria $800,000 to deliver the Surfers Rescue 24/7 program to teach CPR, basic first-aid and board rescues.
Mr Andrews also vowed to introduce a modified program to some secondary schools, and give another $200,000 to the same group to develop a modified program for surfers to help scuba divers in trouble.
Australian Associated Press