Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Mr LIMBRICK (South Eastern Metropolitan) (12 September 2019)

Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan—Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services):

I am informed that:

The Andrews Labor Government is proud of the contribution made by every doctor, nurse, midwife, paramedic, allied health worker and the many other health professionals who deliver world-class care to Victorians.

The Department of Health and Human Services has engaged in discussions with the Australian Medical Association and with the public hospitals’ industrial representative—the Victorian Hospitals’ Industrial Association—to better understand the doctors’ concerns.

I understand that the parties are working productively to identify what sits behind the doctors’ concerns and the best ways to ensure all employees of Victoria’s public hospitals enjoy a safe workplace and a safe workload.

Our 2019-20 State Budget is investing a $2.5 billion boost to the health system, meaning hospitals will receive a record $12.2 billion this year.

The Victorian Government has provided supplementary funding to public hospitals to support their implementation of pay increases and other outcomes contained in the AMA Victoria—Victorian Public Health Sector—Medical Specialists Enterprise Agreement 2018-2021, and the AMA Victoria—Victorian Public Health Sector—Doctors in Training Enterprise Agreement 2018-2021.

Ultimately, health services are responsibility for determining how many staff, of what type, they need to deliver appropriate care.

The Victorian Government expects all public hospitals to comply with their obligations under the enterprise agreements that cover their employees.