MP wants an MRI, not Brad Pitt

Ed Husic just wants a new MRI machine.

A LABOR backbencher has attacked Government funding of film production while his western Sydney hospital has long needed an MRI medical scanner.

Ed Husic, MP for Chifley, let loose his frustrations after hearing the Government would spend $20 million on production of a film "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea".

"I don't need 20,000 Leagues of Sea. I need an MRI at Mt Druitt Hospital," he told Sky News.

His outburst is an indication Labor MPs in seats which could change hands on September 14 are tending more to local issues in a bid to survive, rather than hope for Prime Minister Julia Gillard to get them through the election.

"Well, I think all of us as MPs have a responsibility to do the best absolute possible job for our local areas," Mr Husic said.

"And so, they're doing that.

"I certainly have to say I raised an eyebrow yesterday. I have been trying to get an MRI for my local hospital at Mt Druitt for ages as has the member before me Roger Price.

"And I have to say I raised my eyebrows yesterday when I saw that we were giving $20 million to see the production of '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea'. I don't need 20,000 Leagues of Sea. I need an MRI at Mt Druitt Hospital."

Prime Minister Gillard, announcing what she called a huge coup, yesterday said the $20 million would go to the giant Disney corporation and help create 2000 jobs.

"On the back of the launch of Creative Australia, the new national cultural policy, the securing of this film is a huge coup for the Australian film industry and for the near 1000 local businesses that will be providing goods and services for the film," she said.