Victoria faces a three-way election contest. The state prepares to shift leadership. Jacinta Allan stepped down this week as Premier, marking the end of a term defined by ambitious infrastructure projects and significant health reform.
Polling suggests a tight race between Labor, the Liberal-National coalition, and One Nation. Civil society groups actively discuss the possibility of a minority government. Political observers note that Pauline Hanson’s party has historically struggled to win votes in the state. Recent numbers indicate the electorate ignores this political history.
Health legacy and Treaty aims
Allan’s resignation speech listed a range of achievements. She noted the construction of 121 new schools and 12 new hospitals. Investments followed in transport and regional development, alongside major commitments to Aboriginal rights.
Her commitment to the Treaty process was central to her tenure. Allan appeared before the Yoorrook Justice Commission to tell the truth about Victoria’s past. VACCHO Acting CEO Jim O’Shea described this step as “incredible.” The Premier also signed Australia’s first Treaty and delivered a historic apology for past state policies.
Regarding women’s health, Allan opened 15 clinics across the state. She launched Australia’s first Virtual Emergency Department, a service aimed at helping parents when their child is sick late at night. She also implemented a policy allowing women to access the pill at a chemist without a GP visit.
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These policy decisions reflect a growing recognition in state politics that structural support for specific demographics is essential for broader economic stability. By removing barriers to reproductive health and establishing remote triage for children, the government attempted to address systemic gaps. These gaps disproportionately affect working families and rural communities.
GPs seek a reset with new government
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) Victoria has a specific list of demands. The group calls for the cessation of the Chemist Care Now program expansion. It asks for a public review of patient outcomes. The college also seeks the reinstatement of the Chief General Practice Adviser role to give general practice a voice in the Department of Health.
Dr. Aadhil Aziz, Deputy Co-Chair of the RACGP Victoria, welcomed the election of Ben Carroll. The doctor described the change as an opportunity to reset strained relations with the government. Aziz stated that GPs have long warned about the sustainability of general practice.
The financial pressure on doctors is a major point of contention. The recently applied payroll tax on GP billings appears to be the biggest threat to the sustainability of general practice. Most general practices are small businesses with thin margins. They usually operate with a profit margin around 2 to 3 percent. The RACGP noted that a payroll tax of up to 4.85 percent, levied regardless of profitability, is a severe hit to viability. Dr. Aziz stated that this tax has been a burden on patients.
The new Premier, Ben Carroll, is a former lawyer and political adviser. He has held various portfolios including education. Carroll’s views on sustaining VicHealth as an independent agency and other key health concerns are not yet widely known. The upcoming election is set for November 28. The health sector watches closely to see how the new administration will handle these long-standing issues.