Labor Will Close the Regional Health Gap
A re-elected Carroll Labor Government will make it fairer and cheaper for regional Victorians to get the care they need.
A $53.6 million investment will expand the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
It’s real cost-of-living support – and only Labor will deliver it.
Regional Victorians often have to travel for care
For people living in rural and regional Victoria, care may be many hours from home – especially for specialist treatment.
Proximity to a major city shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing specialist care.
It certainly shouldn’t mean facing financial hardship.
Especially when lifesaving cancer treatment or kidney dialysis is required regularly.
Making it easier and cheaper to travel to appointments
Labor will increase the current financial assistance provided to Victorian patients.
The fuel reimbursement will jump from 21 cents per kilometre to 35 cents per kilometre.
This change will make a real difference for Victorians that need to drive to get the care they need.
Victoria will also move to a flat rate accommodation subsidy of $125 per night.
This is an increase of $80 per night.
For Victorians needing to stay overnight for care – this will make deciding to drive home late or stay and rest just that little bit easier.
These changes will benefit close to 30,000 regional Victorians who currently rely on VPTAS – to get the care they need.
Boosting cancer care in the regions
Labor is also working to make cancer care more equitable and accessible right across the state.
This year’s Victorian Budget 2026/27 invested $27 million so more Victorians can get endoscopies sooner.
A further $10.3 million is funding programs like the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance’s Data Connect+ platform.
Labor invests in public healthcare
Labor has delivered 12 new hospitals and grown the workforce by more than 40,000, including in the regions.
The Liberals can’t be trusted with Victoria’s health system.
Jess Wilson’s mentor Jeff Kennett closed 12 regional hospitals and sold off two more.
With a $40 billion cuts plan, a Liberal-One Nation Coalition won’t open a single bed or hire a single nurse.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt
“Only Labor is fighting for working people – making it easier and cheaper to access the care they need.”
“Every Victorian, no matter where you live or your financial circumstances, should be able to get lifesaving cancer treatment.”
“A Liberal One-Nation Coalition will make it harder and more expensive for regional and rural Victorians.”
