Public hospitals and pharmacists are essential to Australia’s healthcare system. They provide treatment and offer critical care for emergencies and ongoing health needs.
Pharmacists, especially in hospitals and aged care facilities, manage medications and support patient safety, improving health outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions for older Australians. Now, some of the biggest changes to this system are on the horizon, with a massive boost announced in the latest state budget.
Victorians are set to see some of the biggest changes to their healthcare system in years, with the state government announcing a massive $11.1 billion boost in the latest budget.
From more hospital funding to expanded powers for your local pharmacist, the 2024-2025 Victorian budget promises to reshape how we access and experience healthcare.
The announcement centres on a $9.3 billion injection into public hospitals. This comes after a turbulent year in which hospitals warned of bed closures, delayed elective surgeries, and potential staff cuts if funding wasn’t increased.
The government’s response is clear: every public hospital will have the certainty to plan for the future and continue delivering the ‘world-class care’ Victorians expect.
This funding is not just about keeping the lights on. It’s about ensuring that, whether you’re in Melbourne or a regional town, you can access timely, high-quality care.
Nine new or upgraded hospitals—including those in Footscray, Frankston, and Maryborough—will receive a share of $634.3 million to help them open their doors and serve their communities.
The most talked-about change is the decision to expand the community pharmacy prescribing program permanently.
Since October 2023, Victorians have been able to visit their local pharmacist for help with minor health issues such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections and minor skin conditions and to access oral contraceptives without needing a GP appointment.
With $48.2 million in new funding, the program will grow to include allergies, nausea, and even high blood pressure treatments.
And here’s the clincher: unlike similar programs in Queensland and New South Wales, consultations in Victoria will be free.
Not everyone is cheering, though. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have voiced concerns about patient safety, arguing that pharmacists may not have the same diagnostic training as doctors.
The government, however, insists that the scheme is safe and will help those who ‘cannot wait or pay for a visit to their GP’.
The debate is likely to continue, but the government is standing firm for now, saying the benefits, especially for those in rural and regional areas, outweigh the risks.
While the headline numbers are impressive, there are still some question marks. Analysis by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office suggests that nearly 30 health department initiatives, including some mental health programs, are set to expire at the end of the financial year unless renewed.
The government has yet to clarify the future of these programs, leaving some uncertainty for those who rely on them.
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has described this as a ‘responsible’ budget, with a projected $600 million operating surplus for 2025-2026—the first since the pandemic began.
The surplus is lower than previously forecasted, a deliberate move to prioritise cost-of-living relief for Victorians. Infrastructure spending will return to pre-pandemic levels, and several thousand public sector jobs will be cut as part of efforts to stabilise state debt.
Are you excited about being able to see your pharmacist for more health issues? Are you concerned about these changes’ safety, or are you just relieved to see more money going into hospitals? Share your insights and comments below.
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Good news if you live in Victoria, but irrelevant if you live elsewhere !!!