State Liberal leader Colin Barnett has today committed to introduce legislation to protect Royal Perth Hospital from demolition and has indicated Troy Buswell may be appointed treasurer if the party wins Saturday's election.
The Liberals have long held they would keep the central teaching hospital open, transforming it into a 400-bed trauma facility with a new emergency department.
They have criticised the government's plan to close RPH, except for the north block, which includes the burns and trauma units.
Mr Barnett said today the hospital, which sees 73,000 patients a year, was vital to the city and the state health system.
"If elected, a Liberal government, as a matter of urgency, will introduce a piece of legislation, the Royal Perth Hospital protection bill," Mr Barnett told reporters outside RPH.
This meant RPH would remain WA's major tertiary hospital, he said.
"If any future government, any future (Health Minister) Jim McGinty who doesn't want this hospital wants to change that, it can only be done with the approval of parliament," Mr Barnett said.
"We will ensure this hospital stays and any future decision will be a fully informed public debate."
Meanwhile Mr Barnett today indicated that Mr Buswell may take up the treasurer role if the election is in the Liberals favour, saying the former leader has the skills.
Mr Barnett has previously refused to comment on whether Mr Buswell will be included in the cabinet.
The West Australian Liberals have promised to legislate to keep Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) open if they win the state election on Saturday.
