Cancel plans for hospital amalgamations

The Petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the plans of the Allan Labor Government to amalgamate local regional and rural hospitals across the State. This decision threatens to reduce the range of vital and lifesaving healthcare options available to communities and will mean longer waiting lists, the loss of local voices in healthcare, increased travel for treatment, and local job losses. Ultimately, these plans to amalgamate hospitals will adversely impact rural and regional communities that have already been ignored by the Government.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to cancel its plans for hospital amalgamations and ensure that local hospitals remain stand-alone entities, with local voices that continue the great work of delivering quality care to each and every community.