The Nationals Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, 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, with the Allan Labor Government 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 Allan Labor 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 Benham criticised these measures, characterising them not as efficiency improvements but as desperate and severe cuts stemming from Labor’s financial mismanagement.
“Any cuts must prioritise enhanced efficiencies, not severe budget cuts costing lives,” said Ms Benham.
“The Allan Labor Government cannot manage money, cannot manage our health system and Victorians are paying the price.”
Ms Benham says these cuts directly impact on 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,” said Ms Benham.
“Urgent action is required to address the looming 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.
