Question details
Morwell electorate
(1446) My constituency question is for the Minister for Health, and the question is: why won’t the government consider funding a palliative care facility in Gippsland? I have written to the minister twice this year with requests to meet, but those requests have been ignored. The state government contributed $5 million towards a standalone hospice facility in Geelong, but so far the minister refuses to entertain the idea of a similar facility in Gippsland. Latrobe City Council have also asked this government to work with them to find a suitable location for a palliative care unit, to no avail. The former Latrobe health advocate, appointed by Labor specifically to advise the government on health issues facing the Latrobe Valley, called on the government to build a palliative care facility in the region. In the Latrobe Valley people are dying in pain, without adequate care and without dignity. There are just five palliative care beds at Latrobe Regional Hospital, which is entirely inadequate for a region with a population of 80,000 people.
The Victorian Government has made substantial investments to enhance palliative care in Gippsland, including direct health service funding, infrastructure upgrades, and statewide initiatives. The 2024-25 State Budget allocated $36.9 million over four years to palliative care delivery across Victoria, benefitting Gippsland.
Department of Health funding supports the expansion of community-based and inpatient palliative care, specialist consultative teams, workforce development, culturally safe care for rural and Aboriginal communities, and scholarships for postgraduate studies.
Infrastructure improvements through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) and Engineering Infrastructure Renewal Program (EIRP) at Latrobe, Wonthaggi and Sale hospitals are increasing service capacity and access.
Palliative care is delivered through integrated ward structures, supported by specialist teams and consultancy services. This hybrid approach ensures flexibility, accessibility, and continuity of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
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The Hon Mary-Anne Thomas MP
Minister for Health
Minister for Ambulance Services
Minister for Women