The scheme will give eligible healthcare workers support packages including relocation assistance, accommodation support and professional development opportunities to encourage more professionals to build long-term careers in regional communities.
Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association’s Shepparton-based delegate Lyndall Bigland described the policy as a “good starting point” but emphasised the need to address the ongoing industrial action over the allied health enterprise bargaining agreement.
Allied health workers deliver diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive care services.
Ms Bigland said allied health vacancies at GV Health were three times higher than other areas of the hospital.
“It’s one thing to have a one-off bonus but they need something for every year they’re here,” Ms Bigland said.
She also pointed out the need for professional development opportunities as regional healthcare workers often needed to be trained in more areas to account for lower staffing levels.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland announced the incentive scheme and said it would be established through a $40 million policy over four years.
The Nationals MP said the policy would address cuts made under the Labor government.
“In some parts of regional Victoria, people are facing waits of up to two years for allied health services,” Ms Cleeland said.
“That is not an acceptable standard of healthcare for regional Victorians.”
Ms Cleeland said regional health services were competing with metropolitan services for the same skilled workers, who needed to be given reasons to choose to move out of the city and support to stay.
“We need to rebuild confidence in regional healthcare and make sure the next generation of doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals see regional Victoria as a place where they can build a career and a life,” Ms Cleeland said.
When asked for a reply to the policy, a Victoria government spokesperson said the Coalition planned to make $40 billion worth of cuts and would try to reduce nurse-to-patient ratios.
“We hired 17,000 nurses and midwives, delivered a massive 28.4 per cent pay rise and have consistently strengthened nurse-to patient-ratios,” the spokesperson said.
Despite being asked directly, the government’s reply did not include any references to regional areas.
