Question details
Morwell electorate
(972) My question is for the Minister for Health, and the question I ask is: has the minister considered funding the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic on a multiyear basis? In my electorate the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic, operated by Latrobe Community Health Service, plays a critical role in providing timely access to urgent care for people who need it. Importantly, the urgent care clinic also alleviates pressure on the Latrobe Regional Hospital. There is also no 24-hour chemist available in the Latrobe Valley, making access to the urgent care clinic essential for my community. At the moment the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic is only funded year on year. This makes it incredibly difficult for the clinic to attract and retain GPs and nurses when they cannot provide job security beyond 12 months. Minister, the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic offers crucial services to the people of the Latrobe Valley. Have you considered funding the urgent care clinic on a multiyear basis?
I thank the member for acknowledging the importance of the Allan Labor Government’s work to step in and fill the gaps in primary care left by the mismanagement and neglect of the previous Coalition federal government.
This year’s budget invested a further $34 million in our Urgent Care Clinic network, ensuring Victorians continue to have primary care options that are accessible and close to home. Victoria’s total investment in UCCs is now $125.3 million since they first established in 2022.
As the member knows, primary care is the responsibility of the federal government, and we continue to advocate for Victoria to get its fair share of funding so that primary care is appropriately funded.
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The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Minister for Health
Minister for Ambulance Services
Date: / /
BAC-PARL-5145
