Wednesday, 13 August 2025

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:55): (1735) My question is for the Minister for Health. Gateway Health in Wodonga recently announced that it would be unable to continue funding the CP@clinic community paramedic program. Delivered by two local paramedics since April 2024, the program has assessed more than 1000 people in communities across the north-east region, from Chiltern to Corryong. The clinic was able to identify vulnerable members of the community and manage their health issues to keep them out of hospital by reconnecting them with local GPs and health services. Since the program launched there has been a major decline in ambulance call-outs and emergency department attendance. It is estimated that the program requires around $150,000 to run, but we know that investing in preventative healthcare programs like this one ultimately saves money. Will the government intervene to ensure funding for this immensely successful community healthcare initiative in my electorate?