Elective surgery
Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:25): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Health. Whilst I applaud the government’s promise to spend $1.5 billion as a COVID catch-up package for elective surgery in Victoria, I have to wonder if that will even make a dint in the reported 81 000-plus elective surgery backlog, when 45 000 of these were from prepandemic lists and many have now been waiting for over three years for surgery. Two years ago the government said they were going to provide $1.3 billion worth of funding and 4000 extra hospital beds by 2020, which have reportedly not been delivered. My question is: is the new $1.5 billion promised in addition to the $1.3 billion promised two years ago and not delivered, or is this to replace it?
Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:26): I thank Mr Hayes for his question and indeed his interest in the COVID catch-up plan, obviously a very important public policy and a great investment that is going to make a big difference. I am sure the Minister for Health will be delighted to provide you with further detail, and I will ensure that his response comes to you in a timely manner.
Mr HAYES (Southern Metropolitan) (12:26): Thank you, Minister. I look forward to the answer; it sounds great. The future of our health system looks gloomy. The president of the AMA has said that our hospital system has suffered from serious underinvestment and that deep cuts have been made to Victorian hospitals over recent decades that have clearly resulted in poorer patient outcomes. Victoria spends less money per person running public hospitals than any other state. With fewer beds, fewer staff and longer wait times in emergency departments, our emergency services remain overwhelmed. My question is: when will the minister acknowledge that by increasing the population of Melbourne without adding the essential infrastructure to support our community we will continue to have poorer patient outcomes?
Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:27): Thanks, Mr Hayes, for your supplementary question. I will pass that on to the minister, who will provide you with details, but I think there will be a bit of information about neglect from the federal government that accompanies that answer. But thank you for your interest. Indeed obviously public health is something that everybody in here has an interest in, so thank you.