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Over $1B cut from Victorian health department in state budget papers by Andrews Labor government

Andrews Labor government's $1 billion health department budget cut angers Gippslanders struggling with the public health system and delays in elective surgeries.

By news@gippsland - 5th June 2023 - Back to News

News that the State Budget papers have confirmed Andrews Labor government will cut a further $1 billion from the health department budget will be met with despair by many Gippslanders battling with the public health system. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said this is a huge slap in the face for the 78,909 Victorians who remain on the public waitlist for elective surgery - 1,746 of which are waiting locally for surgery at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Data for other local hospitals is not reported.

State budget reveals that less than 8% of Labor's promised $4 billion for hospital upgrades is funded, significant lack of funding for hospital upgrades, including the West Gippsland Hospital, falls short and is disappointing

Healthcare mismanagement

Mr O'Brien said, "According to the most recent data available from the Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI), more than 25 per cent of public patients are not receiving surgery within the recommended time frame. Labor's mismanagement of our health system means patients aren't getting the health services they need and deserve. Instead of investing in a solution, Labor is taking more money away and stretching our services even further with a $1 billion cut."

The 2023-2024 State Budget figures also confirm that Labor's $4 billion commitments for hospital upgrades promised prior to the 2022 election remain at less than 8 percent funded. "This dramatic underfunding of hospital upgrades includes the new West Gippsland Hospital which we have been campaigning on for years and which both sides committed to at the election. Unfortunately Labor has not gone close to confirming full funding for this desperately needed development.

"The Andrews Labor government is letting Victorians down by failing to deliver on the things that matter most. Labor must take action to ensure our health system is running smoothly and Victorians are receiving the care they need when they need it," Mr O'Brien said.

Pictures from West Gippsland Hospital Supporters Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com