Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Melina Bath MP

Ambulance inquiry needed

The Upper House approved a motion for an inquiry into Ambulance Victoria's performance, workplace culture, and procurement practices, despite Labor's objections. Melina Bath highlights issues with response times and resource shortages.

By news@gippsland - 15th August 2024 - Back to News

The Upper House has passed The Nationals' and Liberal's motion to establish an inquiry into the performance, workplace culture and procurement practices of Ambulance Victoria. The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said: "I'm pleased that despite Labor's objections, the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament supported this important inquiry."

Gippsland paramedics are concerned about the lack of MICA coverage east of Morwell at night. Taxis are replacing ambulances, and fire trucks respond to emergency calls

Ambulance crisis deepens

Ms Bath said, "There have been major issues with ambulance response times, regular ramping outside hospital emergency departments and ongoing delays in Triple Zero calls being answered. Under Labor, morale within Ambulance Victoria has hit rock-bottom, and the service continues to be woefully under-resourced. Gippsland paramedics have raised their deep concern with the gap in MICA paramedic coverage east of Morwell during the night."

"Taxis are being called to replace ambulances in regional Victoria, and fire trucks are being despatched to triple zero calls. Over the past six years ambulance response times have continue to decline in Eastern Victoria to worrisome levels. Labor cannot manage money and cannot manage our health system, and regional Victorians continue to pay the price," said Ms Bath.

The vote in the Legislative Council passed 23 to 13. The Legal and Social Issues Committee will inquire into these and other related matters and report back to Parliament by 31 August 2025.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Commercial mooring approved on Brodribb River, Marlo, enabling unique marine tourism experiences in East Gippsland
  A commercial mooring licence on Marlo’s Brodribb River will support a 12-metre sailing catamaran, offering guided tours and boosting East Gippsland’s marine tourism and local economy.
• Darren Chester welcomes St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to parliament house for insight into Australian democracy
  Darren Chester welcomed St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to Parliament House, discussing democracy, civic engagement, and his role as Gippsland's representative while commending their enthusiasm and interest in national issues.
• Danny O’Brien says July-September 2025 data shows Labor continues failing Gippsland’s critical emergency response
  Ambulance Victoria data shows Gippsland response times well below targets, with urgent calls for the Allan Labor government to improve staffing, resources, and performance to protect regional communities.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
  A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project.
• Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
  Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer.
• South Gippsland farmers dig into practical carbon farming at Down to Earth field day
  Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.