To the Legislative Council of Victoria:
The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the effects of the state government’s $616 million cut to Victoria’s health system since 2010.
We note that these cuts come despite the state government’s election promise to deliver 800 new hospital beds. In particular, these cuts have meant:
1. hospitals across Victoria have had to scale back vital services and close beds;
2. some regional health services and after-hours emergency departments could be forced to close;
3. thousands of Victorian patients are forced to wait for months and even years longer for the surgery that they need.
The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council urges the coalition government to immediately restore funding to these essential health services and deliver the promised hospital beds.
By Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) (101 signatures).
Laid on table.
