Victorian Healthcare Association

27/05/2026

VHA Healthcare InFocus is out soon.

Featuring stories from across the sector spotlighting all things digital health.

Subscribe to the VHA and receive the next issue straight to your inbox https://ow.ly/Ah8T50Z4xfs

26/05/2026

Today, 26 May, marks National Sorry Day and the 29th anniversary of the Bringing them home report, tabled in 1997.

The theme for this year’s National Sorry Day is 'From Sorry to Action'. The call is clear, we must move from words to action, and this needs to happen now, not in another decade.
Acknowledging past harm is important, but acting to address it is critical.

Sorry signals compassion, action delivers justice.
We encourage you to mark National Sorry Day on 26 May, and to stand with us to ensure this day is part of an ongoing commitment to truth-telling and healing. Learn more here https://ow.ly/4ObO50Z3SAB

25/05/2026

Limited time remains to take advantage of the VHA 2026 Conference early-bird rates.

VHA members have access to a 15% discount for 2 days of learning and connection under the theme ‘Our impact, our future’.

We’re delivering a packed program featuring keynote presentations and masterclasses on adaptive leadership and sector reform.

Early bird rates expire 11.59pm Sunday 31 May, don’t miss out https://ow.ly/Cf0j50Z3Hn3

25/05/2026

We’ve just wrapped up the second and final round of sector consultation workshops informing the development of Health LEADS Victoria; a sector-wide leadership capability framework.

Over the two consultation rounds, we’ve heard from senior leaders from 67 organisations in Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector as well as education providers.

The insights gathered from these consultations are helping to shape a leadership capability framework that integrates global evidence with the unique context and needs of Victoria’s public healthcare system.

Learn more about Health LEADS Victoria here https://ow.ly/wJXo50Z3HaP

20/05/2026

There are under two weeks remaining to secure member early bird pricing for the VHA 2026 Conference.

Join leaders from across Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector this October for this year’s conference theme: Our impact, our future.

Explore the preliminary program and discover opportunities to connect, learn, and shape the future of healthcare: https://vha2026.eventsair.site/

More than 85% of Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector are VHA members. Not sure if your organisation is eligible for member rates? Get in touch via vha@vha.org.au and we’ll help confirm your eligibility before early bird closes on 31 May 2026.

13/05/2026

The VHA welcomes the 2026-27 Federal Budget, with targeted investments across acute, primary and aged care that aim to strengthen care through reform. This Budget delivers increased aged care and hospital funding to meet the challenges ahead, while continuing to enhance access to bulk billed care. Read more in our media release https://ow.ly/eCUF50YYxpO

11/05/2026

Looking to connect with leaders and decision makers across Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector?

Final advertising opportunities remain in the June edition of VHA Healthcare InFocus, spotlighting Digital Health and featuring sector updates, insights and good news stories from across the state.

Promote your organisation to VHA’s engaged online audience and position your brand alongside key conversations shaping the future of healthcare.

For advertising enquiries, contact vha@vha.org.au

08/05/2026

From 20 – 21 October, the VHA 2026 Conference will bring together over 350 leaders from across Victoria’s public healthcare sector, including CEOs, board directors, executives and emerging leaders, along with policy makers and Government to connect, share and learn together. Take a look at our website for more details and take advantage of VHA member early bird before 31 May. https://vha2026.eventsair.site/

07/05/2026

On Tuesday, VHA CEO Leigh Clarke joined ABC's Melbourne Drive with Ali Moore to share our reflections on the 2026-27 Victorian State Budget.

We’re pleased to see a $32 billion investment into Victoria’s publicly funded healthcare sector, which takes a positive step towards future-proofing healthcare. We called out several Budget commitments that will have a real impact on Victorian communities, such as the expansion of the Virtual Hospital Pilot and a renewed focus on the sustainability of existing infrastructure. However, there are further opportunities ahead to deliver the essential care Victorians require now and into the future, which we have detailed in a Victorian Health Investment Strategy Victorian Health Investment Strategy https://ow.ly/k7Xz50YVTEk

Listen to the interview here (beginning at 51 minutes, 10 seconds) Melbourne Drive with Ali Moore - ABC https://ow.ly/5XKM50YVTEi

And read more in our media release https://ow.ly/3yfk50YVTEj

The 2026-27 Victorian State Budget provides targeted support to sustain our healthcare system now and into the future. We are pleased to see the Victorian Government has committed to future-proofing healthcare amid a tight fiscal environment. This budget takes a step closer to delivering accessible....

05/05/2026

Premier Jacinta Allen has just handed down the 2026-27 Victorian State Budget and the VHA welcomes the $32 billion investment into healthcare.

‘Right across the state, health services are leading delivery of new and innovative models of care, such as the state’s first Virtual Hospital. It is pleasing to see commitments that continue to deliver innovation and invest in new pathways for access and care. Today’s commitments support Victorians in accessing the services they need in the most appropriate setting, ensuring acute care is used by Victorians that need it the most.’ VHA CEO Leigh Clarke

Read more in our media release https://ow.ly/VhTL50YUR8P

05/05/2026

VHA CEO Leigh Clarke has just stepped out of the 2026-27 Victorian State Budget lockup with Premier Jacinta Allen.

We’re pleased to see a future focused, sustainable budget that prioritises the diverse needs of Victoria’s $32 billion publicly funded healthcare sector.

Some key takeaways include:

1. Expansion of the Virtual Hospital Pilot and specialist advice pilot to assist in increasing system access.
2. Investment in prevention and early intervention, particularly through Victoria’s Registered Community Health Services
3. Investment into the Local Health Service Networks over four years to release the benefits of Network collaboration across our hospital network.
4. A renewed approach to infrastructure investment

We look forward to continuing to work with the government over the year ahead, ensuring that the state’s hospitals and health services remain a focus as we approach the Victorian State Budget in November.