Regional and rural health services across Victoria are facing forced amalgamations, service cuts and closures as the Allan Labor Government slashes millions in health funding.
Weeks ahead of the upcoming State Budget, reports have indicated Labor is forcing unrealistic savings targets on all of Victoria's 76 health services, which will collectively see millions cut over coming years.
These funding cuts follow confirmation that more than a dozen regional health services suffered operating losses across 2022-23, with projections that by June 2024 more than half of Victoria's health services face negative daily cash balances.
Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto, said: "Victorians should make no mistake, these are not changes to improve efficiency, but desperate and savage cuts triggered by Labor's financial mismanagement.
"Under the Allan Labor Government, regional and rural communities across the state will be stripped of their voice in local health services."
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said: "Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our health system and Victorians are paying the price.
"These funding cuts by stealth are the real-world consequence of Labor's financial mismanagement and it is patients across rural and regional Victoria who will suffer.
"Under Labor, Victorians are already struggling to access basic healthcare and are waiting longer for vital treatments.
"These cuts and threats of large-scale amalgamations demonstrate the disregard Labor has for rural and regional communities."
