Tuesday, 22 September 2026

 Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:24): (1486) My question today is to the Minister for Health. Minister, as you would be aware, mpox rates are rising again in Victoria, with at least 52 cases reported since the start of last month. What new actions have you taken to ensure that people most at risk are aware of the current increase in cases and are being directed towards testing and vaccination?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (14:24): I thank Mr Puglielli for this important question, and it is obviously an issue of importance in terms of public health, and our government will continue to support the incredible work particularly of the community health sector and the sexual health services that are out there every day providing that expert public health advice. I have been updated by the department in relation to the additional public health messaging that is being issued to Victorians about this issue, and there have been additional alerts sent out by the chief health officer. Obviously we are very keen to make sure that people are aware that there is a vaccination available, and that is something that I know the health department, the chief health officer and our health services, including primary health, are all working very hard on to get that message out there. There is an important message to be heard about the fact that vaccinations do make a big difference. We also want to make sure that the stigma associated with coming forward and presenting to health services, if somebody feels that they need assistance, is not a barrier to seeking health care and vaccinations. We will continue to work closely with and take the expert advice of our public health team within the department.

 Aiv PUGLIELLI (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:26): Thank you, Minister, for that response. Minister, how is surveillance being undertaken to quickly respond to new surges in cases or outbreaks?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Special Minister of State) (14:26): There is monitoring that occurs through the public health team within the Department of Health. I am very happy to seek some further updates for you and provide that outside of the standing orders, but I know that our public health team, under the leadership of the chief health officer, works hard to make sure that we are keeping track of the cases that are being notified. Of course there is always the issue around under-reporting or under-representation in those datasets, so I am happy to take some further advice from the department and get that to you.