AMAV welcomes today’s announcement that the Allan Government will provide an additional $1.5 billion to Victoria’s health services amidst record demand. We are also relieved that the government has decided against forcing health services to amalgamate. Today’s announcement is a significant win for our advocacy efforts and a testament to the collective strength of our members.

Health Service Budgets

The allocation of an additional $1.5 billion is a crucial step towards alleviating pressures on our health services. However, we await detailed guidance from the Department on budgetary directives, including what has been deemed permissible or impermissible to cut. We hope this substantial funding will lead to the restoration of services and jobs that have been impacted by recruitment freezes, reduced elective surgeries, and halted projects under the initial model budget approach.
 

Health Services Plan

The decision to forgo forced amalgamations is reassuring. While the plan has the potential to drive significant improvements in Victoria’s healthcare system, its success will depend on how effectively the Department and Government engage with and respond to local health service boards, workers, and communities.

It is crucial that the plan incorporates lessons learned from the Grampians Health merger and remains adaptable to local needs. Although the geographic division of networks appears sensible, it must align with existing local referral pathways. We will actively consult with our members to ensure these considerations are addressed.

Given the complexity of Victoria’s health system, implementing changes will take time. The Health Services Plan includes many sound recommendations, but its success will ultimately hinge on the Department and Government’s responsiveness to local voices throughout its implementation. This engagement will be key to delivering positive outcomes for Victorians and healthcare workers.
 

Next steps

We extend our sincere thanks to all AMAV members for their support and contributions to our advocacy efforts. Your stories and feedback have been invaluable in shaping our approach.

AMAV remains steadfast in defending the interests of our members and maintaining the integrity of the health system. We encourage all members to invite their colleagues to join AMAV, thereby strengthening our collective efforts in supporting the Victorian health system.

We will keep members updated on developments related to health service budgets and the Health Services Plan as they unfold. While this announcement represents a positive step forward, much work remains to be done. The real impact will depend on how effectively these additional funds are allocated and how the plan is implemented. We are committed to closely monitoring these processes and will hold the Government accountable to ensure that the funding is used effectively and that the Health Services Plan delivers meaningful improvements for our health services and the communities our members serve.
 

MORE:

• Health Services Plan | health.vic.gov.au
• Communications and advocacy update: 18 July 2024
• Stand with us against health service budget cuts
• Communications and advocacy update: 6 June 2024
• Budgets and Health Services Plan: Key messages for health sector
• Department of Health Briefing: Presentation