Friday, 28 August 2026

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:56): (2573) My question is to the Minister for Health. Medical centres are struggling to meet demand, and the Cove Family Medical Centre in Patterson Lakes is doing critical work. Doctors from this clinic provide vaccinations to nursing homes in metro and regional areas, including as far away as Nar Nar Goon and Koo Wee Rup in regional communities. But the clinic has been battling a GP shortage for years. In Victoria demand for health care is growing faster than the available GP workforce. For over three years the clinic has been advocating for more doctors so they can continue providing essential medical care to vulnerable communities. But this government continues to dismiss their needs and ignores their need to support GPs in Victoria. Minister, what incentives will you implement to increase the number of GPs at this clinic and others so Victorians in vulnerable areas can receive critical medical services?