Rural and regional Victorians are set to benefit from more doctors, thanks to an expanded program by the Allan Labor Government aimed at recruiting and retaining medical staff where they are needed most.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced today that the Connecting the Docs initiative will grow to include up to 10 additional public health services across the state, backed by a $680,000 investment over the next two years.
The expansion will begin in East Gippsland, with Omeo District Health, Bairnsdale Regional Health, Orbost Regional Health, and Gippsland Lakes Complete Health among the new services to join.
Launched in September 2023, Connecting the Docs has already registered more than 70 doctors, with seven successfully recruited to towns including Swan Hill, Kerang, and Echuca.
The program addresses long-term workforce shortages by streamlining recruitment, supporting international transitions, and offering flexible career pathways across hospitals, community care, and primary care settings.
It also helps reduce recruitment costs, strengthen smaller practices, and build a connected network of healthcare professionals through peer support and ongoing career development. Participating health services co-fund the program, while the Labor Government’s support has included an initial $50,000 investment in 2023 to enhance online job listings, digital content, and recruitment campaigns targeting domestic and international candidates.
“This program backs our medical workforce and supports their development across rural and regional areas so they can continue to provide world-class care for all Victorians right across the state,” Minister Thomas said.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in Connecting the Docs for their success thus far and look forward to seeing the program grow over the coming year and beyond.”
The expansion is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen Victoria’s health workforce, which has grown by more than 50,000 staff over the past decade, including around 9,500 new nurses, doctors, allied health, and support staff in regional and rural areas since June 2014.
While primary care remains a federal responsibility, the Allan Labor Government continues to step in to ensure Victorians can access care when and where they need it, through initiatives such as Urgent Care Clinics, the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, Nurse-on-Call, and the Community Pharmacist Pilot.
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