Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Ministers statements: health system

Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (14:17): I rise today to update the house on 10 ‍highlights in the health portfolio over the last 10 months or so. Our landmark women’s pain inquiry has confirmed that four in 10 Victorian women live with chronic pain, so we are doing something about it. It is why we are delivering an additional 10,000 laparoscopic surgeries.

Speaking of surgery, we have opened 10 rapid access hubs as part of our COVID catch-up plan. Our investments have seen innovation like Austin Health’s phone week, which in the first week saw a 10 per cent decrease in the number of patients on the waitlist. Of course the Allan Labor government continues to deliver in primary care with our priority primary care centres. We started with 10; now we have got 29.

But our support does not stop there. As part of our $32,000 package to GPs, we are contributing $10,000 to help with exam costs. Our community pharmacy pilot is also expanding access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and skin conditions, as well as the contraceptive pill for Victorian women. With over 700 pharmacies now participating, that is a lot more than 10. We are saving Victorian families up to $10,000 each for public IVF, and we are helping new families in those crucial early years with more than 10 new and expanded early parenting centres.

Finally, of course we are making it free to study nursing and midwifery for 10,000 nurses. This week, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, I can tell you this: there will be many more than 10 ‍women standing with our Premier when we celebrate that day. The same cannot be said for the Leader of the Opposition.