Monday, 22 June 2026

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has raised concerns in Parliament over what he says is a lack of State Government support for bush nursing centres, warning that communities are increasingly being forced to fundraise to keep essential health services operating.

Mr Bull said several East Gippsland bush nursing centres were already reducing services because government funding was not keeping pace with rising costs and this meant communities were being asked to contribute more at a time when the State Government is continuing to increase taxes on these same people.

“The Dargo Bush Nursing Centre has recently cut back one day a week and is now only open four days a week,” Mr Bull said.

“The Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre has also ceased its after-hours and weekend services.

”“These are remote communities where access to alternative healthcare options is limited, and residents rely heavily on these facilities because it’s a long way to other health services.

”Mr Bull also highlighted the ongoing struggle faced by the Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, which has twice been unsuccessful in securing funding to rebuild its ageing facility.

“They have already purchased the land and have now lodged a third application in the hope of finally receiving support,” he said.

“These centres are certainly not alone. There are many across Victoria facing similar challenges.

”“Regional communities have always been incredibly generous and supportive of their local bush nursing centres, but there is a limit to how much can reasonably be expected of them.

”“At a time when Victorians are already battling a cost-of-living crisis, with higher household bills, increased insurance costs and rising day-to-day expenses, it is unfair to expect communities to continually dig deeper into their own pockets.

”Mr Bull said the issue ultimately reflected broader budget pressures facing Victoria.

“By the Government’s own budget papers, Victoria is heading towards a state debt of almost $200 billion, with interest repayments reaching around $28 million every day,” he said.

“The consequence of that is that important services are missing out.

”“Bush nursing centres provide onsite nursing care, support older residents and reduce pressure on larger health services. They are not a luxury; they are often the only accessible healthcare option and are an essential part of healthcare delivery in regional Victoria.

”“Our communities have done their part for many years. It is time for the State Government to do theirs.

”Mr Bull said only a change of government in November would provide an opportunity to properly address the long-term funding challenges facing regional healthcare services.

Caption: Nationals’ Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says bush nursing centres should not have to rely on community fundraising to make up for inadequate State Government funding.