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Victoria's health workforce is missing out on a crucial boost as Andrews Labor government ignores reforms

Victoria's overwhelmed health workforce is missing out on a crucial boost to staff resources while Daniel Andrews pig-headedly ignores reforms to unlock thousands of additional workers to support the system.

By news@gippsland - 26th May 2022 - Back to News

The Andrews Labor government's arrogant dismissal comes as Victoria's health crisis pushes the system further past breaking point, with revelations that police officers are being asked to use divvy vans as ambulances for people suffering poor mental health. Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt told radio that although police may "from time to time" be called to assist if people have become dangerous or violent.

Liberals and Nationals have proposed reforms to boost the mental health workforce and unlock an extra 4000 practitioners to provide mental health support for Victorians

Failing to prepare the system

Mr Gatt said, "Increasingly, what our members are telling us is, owing to the absence of adequate numbers of ambulances (they are transporting patients to hospitals)". Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said Labor's neglect of the health system had descended to the point that people with a mental health were essentially being arrested, when they really needed wellbeing support.

"By failing to prepare our system to meet Victorian's health needs of today, Daniel Andrews has pushed mental health treatment back to the 1970's when locking up people who were unwell and needed a health-based response was an acceptable practice to protect the community," Ms Kealy said.

"Labor has been in government for 19 of the past 23 years, giving it decades to work with the public and the private sector to make sure the plans were in place to build the workforce to meet future demand." Ms Kealy said.

Boost the mental health workforce

Ms Kealy said, "When a person who is not dangerous, agitated or resisting is confronted by police and a divvy van for transport, the risk increases of the person having a higher anxiety level and they're more likely to react negatively. This impacts police safety and the patient's recovery."

"More boots on the ground offering preventative support before people need to attend an emergency department will help take pressure off our entire health workforce, including ambulances and in our hospitals. This cannot be dismissed as a COVID issue. It's a human rights issue. People living with a mental health illness deserve an ambulance for their care, not a divvy van for their arrest." Ms Kealy concluded.

Pictures from Australian Health Care Reform Alliance Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
  Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
  Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households.
• Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.