In today's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearing, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Department Secretary Jenny Atta were unable to answer basic questions about the Allan Labor Government's new health service networks.
On July 1 this year, 12 new health service networks are due to commence, with the Bayside Network agreeing to commence its operations January 1 next year.
Under questioning from the Liberals and Nationals, it was confirmed that the Bayside Network would have one CEO and one board, however the Government could not explain how individual health services would remain publicly accountable.
The Minister also failed to clarify whether there will be job losses, or what savings - if any - will flow back to the health budget, and whether a connected IT platform will be ready to share vital patient information.
The Minister's responses cast serious doubt on the Government's claim that this new network structure will improve patient care.
Without transparent reporting, Victorians risk losing oversight into local public health service delivery.
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier said: "Victorians need confidence that their local hospital will remain responsive to local community needs and be accountable.
"Many questions remain around how these networks will operate, what job losses there will be and what the reporting requirements are.
"The Allan Labor Government can't manage money, can't manage health, and Victorians are paying the price."
