State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has provided this statement regarding the issue.
“I am writing to address the concerns the Mansfield community have raised regarding the Mansfield Hospital,” she said.
“Victorians rightly expect us to prioritise health care, which is why we’re looking at sensible ways to make the health system work better for patients and our health workers. Our focus is on delivering better, safer care closer to where people live.
“First and foremost, I want to assure you that your voices are heard. My office is always available to my constituents to raise issues of importance to them, and I will continue to advocate in the best interests of my constituency every opportunity I get.
“I’d also like to be clear that while no decisions have been made — the minister has been clear that no hospital will close, and local voices and fundraising will continue to endure as an important part of supporting the running of your local hospital.
“I understand and acknowledge that even the thought of change can be concerning, even when none has been announced, and irresponsible comments by opposition MPs have attempted to frighten people, which has caused significant worry within the Mansfield community.
“I want to acknowledge the validity of feelings within the Mansfield community surrounding essential services in their town, which also sees a substantial increase in population during the tourist seasons. These have been aggravated by the rumour and innuendo of the local opposition MPs, who have little else to add to public debate other than negativity and fear.
“I would like to point out that the Labor Government has provided hospitals with record funding in this year’s budget. This is in stark contrast to the Liberals, who cut funding to health and essential services and closed regional hospitals. The Liberal/National Party’s conflation between hospital funding and our health services plan is misleading — these are not related.
“In the 2024/25 financial year alone, more than 25 per cent of the state’s entire budget will be invested into our health services, with $20 billion in funding to be delivered to our hospitals. This includes a new multi-year investment, with an extra $8.8 billion to ensure health services can continue delivering world-class care, which includes an additional $1.5 billion for hospitals this financial year and $1.8 billion for 2024-25.
“This is in direct contradiction to the Liberals’ record in government. It’s in the Liberals’ DNA to cut services, and the Nationals will simply kowtow to the Liberals’ agenda of cuts and reduced services for the regions, as they always do. We’ve seen it all before.
“While the Victorian Government will consider the recommendations of the independent committee and the Department of Health — it is important to note that no decisions have been made.
“To this end, we have sought the invaluable insights of all of Victoria’s health services to contribute to the optimal design and governance of the public health service system to ensure all Victorians get the best care possible, no matter where they live.
“It is the business of Labor governments to provide essential services for the benefit of our communities, not close them like the Liberals have done all over Northern Victoria, including Eildon, Red Cliffs, Elmore, Wangaratta, and privatising Mildura Hospital.
“The intention behind any review is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided, ensuring that public resources are allocated in the best possible manner to deliver frontline care. This ensures services are delivered sustainably, safeguarding quality services for future generations. Again, the government’s focus is on delivering better, safer care closer to where people live.
“Thank you to all those in the Mansfield community who have expressed their passionate advocacy by contacting my office with their concerns. Rest assured the essential services we all rely on are safe in the hands of the Labor Government, who believe government can deliver positive results for people.”
