Labor candidate for Northern Tablelands Deborah O'Brien today committed $20 million to upgrade Glen Innes' ageing hospital. The announcement matches a promise by incumbent MP Adam Marshall made earlier in March.

In a press release issued earlier today Labor promises to consult with "doctors, nurses and health and hospital workers and patients" on the design of the hospital.

"The funds could be utilised for a helipad or new ambulance headquarters," it reads.

Polls suggest the election is neck-and-neck and minor parties or independents could hold the balance of power.

The hospital upgrade will be added to Labor's Parliamentary Budget Office budget costings before election day, according to candidate Deb O'Brien. That means it will be totally locked in (parties are obligated to submit promises to the PBO for costing).

"It's done, it's going to happen. Wonderful news for Glen Innes! And they've been waiting for a while.

"The one thing we've been saying all along is that there's no point having a building without it being properly staffed. Buildings don't cure people, people do.

"I will continue advocating whether I get in or not - and if Labor gets in (or not) - to ensure that Glen Innes is a high priority in terms of making sure there's a 24 hour medical staff here, doctor service here.

"Which I believe is a really crucial part of this hospital upgrade as well."

The visibly excited candidate beamed while making the announcement.

"This is actually a highlight of my campaign so far, that I can actually say that Labor will deliver this. I'm really excited actually."

Incumbent Adam Marshall welcomed the commitment, saying it was an important project for the Glen Innes community.

"The timing of the promise is curious however, coming the day after the independent Parliamentary Budget Office released its report into the costings of all government and opposition election commitments, of which this promise from the opposition was absent," he said.

"To give the GI community certainty that no matter who is in government after the election, the hospital redevelopment will occur, the opposition should follow the adopted process and make a supplementary written submission to the PBO to ensure this promise truly is locked in and cannot be backed away from.

"This is exactly what the government has done to back up the commitment I made to the community."

Some 3000 Glen Innes residents signed a petition calling for the hospital upgrade, which Mr Marshall physically drew out of a suitcase and on a table in front of Brad Hazzard to convince the health minister it ought to be a government priority.