The Allan Labor Government must provide immediate certainty on future health funding for the four East Gippsland hospitals at Bairnsdale, Orbost, Omeo and Maffra.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said the Allan Labor Government has been demanding savage multi-million-dollar budget cuts from Victoria’s 76 health services and withdrew longstanding financial guarantees which ensured their continued operation.
“They’ve got themselves in such a mess with financial mismanagement, the state debt is forecast to hit a record $187.8 billion by 2028. To then try and save by cutting our hospital funding is incredulous.
“For months, these financial demands have caused enormous concerns with local boards and staff about the impacts budget cuts will have on health care accessibility, local jobs, and patient outcomes.
“Thankfully, the Allan Labor Government last week backflipped on mergers and announced $1.5 billion in additional funding for 2024-25, but failed to provide any details on where this will be spent and which services will be the recipients. The Minister needs to provide some more detail,” said Mr Bull.
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said, “Victorians cannot trust Labor to manage our health system. Their chaotic decision making has proved that.
“After months of uncertainty, local communities and health services across Victoria deserve to know exactly what funding they will be receiving and when.”
Mr Bull said the Allan Labor Government must answer how much top-up funding each of our hospitals will receive and will it guarantee no restrictions be put in place that impact community health care.
“Local residents have been put through enough by this chaotic and dysfunctional government. Labor must end the uncertainty and give locals the clear answer they deserve,” he said.

Monday, 12 August 2024