Thursday, 9 September 2021

 Ms VALLENCE (Evelyn) (5994)

My question is to the Minister for Health on behalf of residents in my community who want to know why the Andrews Labor government has forgotten residents of the outer east and Yarra Valley by only providing limited access to COVID-19 vaccines in our region: will you install a second vaccination hub at a suitable location in the Lilydale, Mooroolbark or Chirnside Park vicinity to ensure our community is best placed to quickly meet the 80 per cent vaccination target?

There are extremely limited options for residents in my community to be vaccinated, with only one vaccination hub east of Ringwood. The healthcare professionals at EACH Lilydale are doing a fantastic job, but there are only so many vaccines they can deliver in a day. Many residents, including those under 50, have told me they’re forced to travel to Box Hill, the city or even as far as Cranbourne to be able to access the Pfizer vaccine.

The Andrews Labor government cannot say that they want Victorians to be vaccinated as soon as possible yet provide inadequate access, and I call on Labor to address this without delay.