The people of Goldstein are set to benefit from improved healthcare access, with Medicare eligibility for MRI services at Sandringham Hospital now set to commence from 1 July 2025.
This major win follows persistent advocacy from Zoe Daniel, Independent Member for Goldstein, who has been working tirelessly to address inequities in local healthcare access.
The Albanese Government's decision to initially change the licensing methodology and then to bring forward Medicare eligibility for MRI scans at Sandringham Hospital by 2 years is a direct result of this strong, community-driven advocacy.
"This is a fantastic outcome for the people of Goldstein," Ms. Daniel said.
"For too long, our community has faced an uneven distribution of MRI services, creating unnecessary barriers to timely and affordable medical care. By securing Medicare eligibility at Sandringham Hospital, we are ensuring that more people will be able to get the scans they need—when they need them—without excessive costs or travel burdens."
Following the changing to licensing rules, Sandringham Hospital was scheduled to obtain Medicare eligibility for its MRI machine in 2027. Ms. Daniel successfully made the case both for the licensing changes and for earlier access—a move that will provide critical support for patients, reduce strain on other hospitals, and make essential medical services affordable.
Alfred Health Chief Executive Adam Horsburgh welcomed the news of Medicare eligibility for MRI services at Sandringham Hospital being delivered.
This will benefit people right across Southeast Melbourne where until now there has been no public MRI service.
With Medicare eligibility secured, the hospital is now positioned to work with the state government to put in place the MRI technology that will allow services to commence.
This achievement serves as a powerful example of how a strong, independent representative can deliver real outcomes for their community.
"When politics is put aside, and community interests come first, we get better outcomes. I am incredibly proud to have worked with Sandy Hospital and Alfred Health to help deliver this change, and I will continue to fight for better local healthcare services in Goldstein by working with local healthcare providers and state and federal governments," Ms. Daniel said
Key Facts:
Medicare eligibility for MRI services at Sandringham Hospital now set to commence from 1 July 2025—two years earlier than originally planned.
The Albanese Government's decision to bring forward Medicare eligibility for MRI scans at Sandringham Hospital is a direct result of this strong, community-driven advocacy by the Independent Member for Goldstein, Zoe Daniel.
