Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has spoken on a Bill that plans to address the broken triple zero system during this week’s sitting week in Parliament, discussing the enormous impact that these failures have had on regional communities.
“The existing system has let down Victorians in desperate need of care, and in far too many instances, has cost people their lives,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Within my electorate of Euroa, failures within the triple-zero system and poor ambulance response times has genuinely been devastating for many individuals and their families.
“When I hear about the Government talk about how fantastic Melbourne’s healthcare options and medical facilities are, I feel a need to remind them that this state is bigger than just the city.
“Every Victorian, irrespective of where they live, deserves quality healthcare— this is a fundamental right, not a luxury.”
This Triple Zero Victoria Bill 2023 had been introduced following some damning findings from reviews into the current system.
The results of these reviews brought forward serious concerns, namely the State’s preparedness for major public health emergencies, and ambulance response times.
These reports were prompted by the well-publicised failures in the triple zero and ambulance response systems, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 33 Victorians.
“The issues within our ambulance services and response times are a symptom of a government that has neglected our healthcare system for too long,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The stark reality is that our regional health services are really struggling.
“Without further investment from Government, our regional health care system will continue to fail, and people will suffer.”
