Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (14:50): (972) My question is for the Minister for Health, and the question I ask is: has the minister considered funding the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic on a multiyear basis? In my electorate the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic, operated by Latrobe Community Health Service, plays a critical role in providing timely access to urgent care for people who need it. Importantly, the urgent care clinic also alleviates pressure on the Latrobe Regional Hospital. There is also no 24-hour chemist available in the Latrobe Valley, making access to the urgent care clinic essential for my community. At the moment the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic is only funded year on year. This makes it incredibly difficult for the clinic to attract and retain GPs and nurses when they cannot provide job security beyond 12 months. Minister, the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic offers crucial services to the people of the Latrobe Valley. Have you considered funding the urgent care clinic on a multiyear basis?