Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I genuinely thank the member for his question, because it enables me to address an irresponsible campaign by the Victorian government to try and hide the impact of its health cuts on Victorian hospitals and the Victorian community. So, I genuinely thank the member for his question, because I believe it is very important that people have the facts. The facts are these. Health funding to Victoria from this government will be increasing by $900 million. Let me say that figure again: $900 million.

For those who prefer to think in percentages, that is a 26 per cent increase over the next four years—from $3.6 billion to $4.5 billion. That is $900 million up—26 per cent up.

So you ask yourself: if there is an extra $900 million coming across these years—going from $3.6 billion to $4.5 billion, a 26 per cent increase from this government—why are Victorians having to suffer hospital cutbacks? I will explain what the answer is. The answer is that the Victorian Liberal government has chosen to slash $616 million from health services. They are engaged—

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