Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Community

Coalition Cuts Ambulance Membership Fees In Half

Yearly Ambulance Victoria membership fees will be slashed in half from July 1, Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today.

By Russell Northe - 7th July 2011 - Back to News

Mr Northe said the Victorian Coalition Government had delivered on its pledge to make ambulance membership more affordable for all Victorians.

"From July 1, ambulance membership costs will drop from $150 to $75 a year for families and $75 to $37.50 a year for singles – that is just 20 cents a day for families and 10 cents a day for singles," Mr Northe said.

"This is similar to prices for ambulance membership fees in 1993 when membership cost $70 for families and $35 for singles."

Around two million Victorians are members of the Ambulance Membership Subscription Scheme.

Mr Northe said in the event of an emergency, Ambulance Victoria members do not have to pay transport costs which can exceed $900.

"To treat and transport patients in emergencies is an expensive exercise," Mr Northe said.

"After 11 years of rising cost of living pressures under Labor, the Coalition Government is taking action to reduce these pressures on Latrobe Valley families."

"Victoria’s paramedics are some of the best trained and most experienced paramedics in Australia.

"With 100 per cent cover, and 50 per cent off, there is now simply no reason to risk being caught without Ambulance Victoria membership."

Mr Northe said the cut in membership fee will encourage even more Victorians to join, ensuring people can access ambulance services whenever required without concern for cost.

"We know Victorian families are experiencing rising living costs and deserve cheaper access to our vital ambulance services," Mr Northe said.

"That is why the Government delivered $241.9 million over four years to halve the cost of Ambulance Victoria membership."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
  Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
  Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
  As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.