Strengthening Victoria’s World-Class Health System
The Allan Labor Government is delivering Victorians a better-connected health system – that ensures patients get the care they need, close to home.
Backed by record investments – including for frontline workforce recruitment and increased funding for hospitals, health services are coming together in partnership, with 12 new Local Health Service Networks commencing from 1 July.
The networks will drive improvements through health services working together across regions so that Victorians can access more of the care that they need, closer to where they live.
Each health service will retain its board and CEO, unique identity and connection to their community.
Each network will hit the ground running – by identifying and planning improvements to address the health needs of their local communities. This follows work over the past few months to identify early initiatives to improve access to care, better support the local health workforce, and improve the quality of care.
This work will help develop annual plans and three-year strategies addressing four priority areas:
As the networks mature, they will begin to focus on additional priorities, including understanding the care needs of priority populations and addressing these in collaboration, improving integration with other parts of the health system, and improving access to research and clinical trials.
The Labor Government invested a record $31 billion in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 into the health system, including a record $9.3 billion boost to give every public hospital the certainty to plan for the future and keep delivering the world-class care Victorians rely on.
For more information, please visit health.vic.gov.au/local-health-service-networks.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“The Local Health Service Networks will mean a better and stronger public health system – freeing up beds in busier hospitals, easing pressure on our dedicated workforce, and delivering faster care closer to home.”
“By working together across each Network, health services will be able to better coordinate your care – including easier access to specialist care when needed and bringing your care closer to home for any ongoing care and recovery.
“We’re keeping what Victorians value most about their health services – maintaining a local voice and identity -while better connecting our health system to build stronger referral pathways between services.”
Local Health Service Networks – by region:
Barwon
Bayside
East Metro and Murrindindi
Gippsland
Grampians
Hume
Loddon Mallee
North Metro and Mitchell
Parkville
South Metro
South West
West Metro
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/250629-Strengthening-Victoria%E2%80%99s-World-Class-Health-System-.pdf