The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad says the drastic reduction in health
funding by the Allan Labor Government is deeply concerning for regional Victorians, who will
inevitably pay the price for Premier Allan’s health cuts.
Regional hospitals are under threat like never before. The Allan Labor Government is set to
impose severe funding cuts, triggering forced mergers, service reductions and potential
closures.
These cuts, uncovered just weeks out from a looming horror State Budget, are expected to
collectively amount to millions of dollars in cuts.
In a further blow, the Government is imposing unrealistic savings targets on all 76 of
Victoria’s health services.
The consequences are dire, with over a dozen regional health services reporting operating
losses in the last financial year alone. Projections indicate that by June more than half of
Victoria’ health services could face negative daily cash balances.
Ms Broad criticised these measures, saying they were not efficiency improvements but
desperate and severe cuts stemming from Labor’s financial mismanagement.
“Staff in our regional health services are already stretched, and these funding cuts will put
them under even more pressure” Ms Broad said.
“The Allan Labor Government cannot manage money, cannot manage our health system
and our local communities are paying the price.”
Ms Broad said the cuts would directly impact patients across regional Victoria who are
already grappling with challenges in accessing basic healthcare and experiencing prolonged
wait times for essential treatments.
“The threat of significant amalgamations looms large, further highlighting Labor’s disregard
for rural and regional communities,” Ms Broad said.
“Urgent action is required to address the crisis in Victoria’s health services. The well-being of
communities, particularly those in rural and regional areas, must be prioritised to ensure
equitable access to quality healthcare for all Victorians.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.a
