News

Regional healthcare funding promise welcome but vague

By Louie Cina

Sep 8, 2026

Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice’s Dr Peter Nesbitt said any funding to incentivise workers to relocate regionally was a good thing. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Healthcare providers have cautiously welcomed a $40 million promise from the Victorian Opposition to incentivise health workers to relocate regionally, saying they want specifics on how it will work.

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The proposed scheme will provide eligible healthcare workers up to $10,000 in financial support up front and up to $10,000 each year they remain in the role.

Dr Peter Nesbitt, practice principal at Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice, said any funds were welcomed.

“Any incentives to encourage young people to study, work, train, or relocate, is a good thing,” Dr Nesbitt said.

That sentiment was echoed by Rich River Health Group practice manager Debbie Pratt.

“We need more health workers here,” Ms Pratt said.

“I want to know how it’ll work because yes, we need workers, but we also need the people to train them.”

Echuca Regional Health chief executive Carol-Anne Lever declined to comment.

The financial support will come in the form of cash payments or relocation and accommodation support.