The seat’s MP elect Jenny Aitchison said she would support the government’s work to deliver the promises it made in the lead-up to Saturday’s poll, which amounted to about $42 million worth of projects that would directly benefit people in the Maitland area.

“The bulk of these promises were actually matched by Labor in our campaign,” she said.

“I will continue to hold the Baird Liberal government to account and shine a light on their broken promises.”

A spokesman for Premier Mike Baird told the Mercury yesterday that the Coalition would honour all its election commitments.

The promises included $25 million to begin construction of Lower Hunter hospital in this term of government, $7 million to extend dual lanes on the New England Highway at Rutherford, $5.3 million to expand Maitland and Kurri Kurri hospitals, $3.8 million to build a new ambulance station in the Maitland area, $1 million to upgrade Maitland PCYC and $250,000 to repair the Maitland Showground grandstand.

Although Ms Aitchison would be unable to deliver her election promises, she said she would continue to lobby the government.

“I will continue to work for the new hospital to be a fully public hospital, for the two new schools, and the establishment of a Hunter domestic violence court,” Ms Aitchison said. 

“Importantly, I will investigate all options to honour the commitments Labor made to our community groups including the lights at Marcellin Park, the Maitland and Tenambit BMX bar terms and the Gallipoli tour for 20 local students in April this year. 

“I will ensure that the existing Maitland Hospital is not closed when the new one opens.”

$25 million – begin construction of Lower Hunter hospital.

$7 million - extend dual lanes on New England Highway at Rutherford.

$5.3 million - expand Maitland and Kurri Kurri hospitals.

$3.8 million - build new ambulance station in Maitland area.

$1 million - upgrade Maitland PCYC.

$250,000 - repair Maitland Showground grandstand.

Total: $42,350,000

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