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Peter Walsh calls for urgent investment in regional healthcare services amid state budget crisis and neglect

The Andrews Labor government is urged to prioritise regional healthcare services, which have been neglected for too long, despite financial difficulties.

By news@gippsland - 1st May 2023 - Back to News

Even with the state's finances on life support, regional communities rightly expect the Andrews Labor government to prioritise investment into our healthcare services. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It's never too much to demand adequate services and infrastructure in our communities, and the regions have been neglected for far too long.

Healthcare is a right, but Labor keeps neglecting regional healthcare ignoring urgent funding that is needed for Goulburn, Bairnsdale, Swan Hill, Hamilton, while Mildura plan kept secret

Victoria healthcare crisis

This is a crisis that touches every inch of Victoria. If the Premier needs directions to get beyond Melbourne's tram tracks, he can look to Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, Bairnsdale Hospital in Gippsland, Swan Hill Hospital along the Murray River, and Hamilton Hospital in the Wimmera - all of which need urgent funding to begin or complete redevelopments.

Or, in the state's north-west, the Mildura Base Public Hospital Master Plan has been locked in a vault and kept secret by Mr Andrews for more than a year, stalling urgent investment in the region's main healthcare service.

Regional health prioritisation

Smaller investments are just as important to our quality of life. Benalla needs funding for four dialysis chairs, Euroa Health is in urgent need of ongoing funding, Lifeline Gippsland needs additional funding to meet increased demand, and aged care services - such as in Bright or Numurkah - need urgent investment to support our senior citizens.

Cruel cuts to community health services have already been announced by the Andrews Labor government, and important infrastructure projects are being delayed to prop up a sinking budget that has maxed out the public's credit card. This budget will be a shocker, but regional healthcare services must be prioritised, especially after years of ongoing neglect.

Pictures from Gippsland Region Public Health Unit Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
  South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
  Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance.
• Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
  Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events