Wednesday, 26 August 2026

 Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (19:26): (2739) My matter is for the Minister for Health regarding the need for increased investment in community health services across Victoria, especially in my electorate of Western Metropolitan Region, with a rapid population growth. The action I seek is for minister to allocate an additional 2 per cent of the Victorian health budget to community health services, enabling providers such as IPC Health to support more Victorians while reducing pressure on our overstretched hospital system.

Community health is one of the most important investments a government can make. IPC Health is one of Victoria’s largest community health providers. It supports almost 50,000 clients annually through medical, dental, mental health, allied health, aged care and prevention services across Melbourne’s west. Last year alone it delivered almost 490,000 services through a workforce of just more than 500 staff. Importantly, IPC Health seeks to build on prevention and early intervention. These services help people manage chronic disease, improve mental health, access housing support, remain independent as they age and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Research cited in the IPC Health Annual Impact Report shows that every dollar invested in preventive health can generate more than $14 in health system savings. The IPC Health Diabetes Connect program delivered significant outcomes for 431 clients with complex health needs, achieving a 93 per cent reduction in emergency department and hospital attendances over the course of their care. Similarly, IPC Health supports families, older Victorians, people experiencing homelessness, refugees, Aboriginal communities and those facing mental health challenges through integral care delivered close to home.

These programs do not just improve health outcomes, they reduce strain on our hospitals, ambulance services and other crisis-driven interventions. Yet despite these proven outcomes, community health remains underfunded relative to the value it delivers. Melbourne’s west in my area is one of the fastest growing regions in Victoria, experiencing increasing levels of chronic disease, disadvantage and demand for health services. I ask the minister: will the Carroll government commit to allocating 2 per cent of the Victorian health budget to community health services so that organisations like IPC Health can expand their reach and support everyday Victorians?