Victorian doctors and allied health workers strike over stalled pay deals

Doctors and allied health professionals at Victoria’s public hospitals have begun industrial action over stalled negotiations on pay and working conditions. Doctors are stopping work for four hours, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm, while allied health professionals are taking part in a 24-hour strike. Talks with the government have continued for more than a year without an agreement.

Emergency departments will remain open, and hospitals are maintaining Saturday-level staffing to protect patients. Allied health exemptions cover emergency care, neonatal, maternity and paediatric services, as well as high-dependency units including oncology, coronary and palliative care. The Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association said the doctors’ stoppage followed more than 60 meetings and months of assurances that an offer was imminent.

It is seeking conditions including a 12.5-hour limit on shifts and three consecutive days off during a fortnight of work. The Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association, which represents radiographers, physiotherapists and social workers among others, said its members were among the lowest paid nationally. It attributed staff departures to burnout and excessive workloads.

Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said discussions with the AMA were progressing and that patient-safety plans were in place. However, she could not confirm whether the government had made an offer during the previous 14 months, while the AMA said no offer had been received.