One in three children in Victoria are waiting longer than recommended for surgery, as rising demand places pressure on the state’s health system, according to new budget measures aimed at reducing delays and expanding access to care.
The 2026/27 Victorian Budget commits $50.1 million to deliver 4,000 additional planned surgeries for children and young people, alongside nearly $16 million for 45,000 extra specialist clinic appointments. The package also includes investments in digital access, faster referrals and expanded endoscopy services, as concerns grow about long waiting lists and delayed treatment.
“These delays – caused by surging demand – can impact a child’s ability to fully participate in school, hang out with friends, complete their exams and start their future,” the government said.
The additional surgeries will include general and specialist procedures such as orthopaedics, with services prioritised based on need across major health networks including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Western Health, Monash Health, Barwon Health and Bendigo Health. The government said part of the strategy will involve scheduling increased activity during school holidays to minimise disruption to education.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the issue was close to home. “This is personal for me. I know firsthand how scary it can be when you have a sick child in hospital,” she said. “More surgery for children and young people will help kids get back to school – and get back to being kids.”
Demand for specialist appointments has also increased, with thousands of children waiting extended periods for initial consultations, including for paediatric conditions such as seizures and other neurological concerns. The government said the additional 45,000 appointments will support medical, allied health, nurse-led and multidisciplinary clinics.
The additional surgeries will include general and specialist procedures such as orthopaedics, with services prioritised based on need across major health networks including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Western Health, Monash Health, Barwon Health and Bendigo Health
Health Minister Harriet Shing said the measures are designed to improve access across the state. “We’re making sure children and families right across Victoria can access the surgical and specialist care and treatment they need,” she said.
The Budget also allocates $8 million for a pilot program known as Specialist Advice Now, which aims to reduce wait times by allowing general practitioners to consult specialists directly without requiring a formal referral. The model, based on studies conducted in Queensland, has shown that up to 82 per cent of patient issues can be managed by GPs with specialist input.
This approach will be supported by a $33.3 million expansion of VicKey, a digital platform that enables secure sharing of patient and hospital information. The government said VicKey has already reduced waiting times for specialist appointments by 38 per cent at one Victorian health service.
Further investment has been directed towards endoscopy services, with $27 million allocated to improve access as bowel cancer rates rise among younger Australians. The funding will support new and upgraded equipment and establish Endoscopy Access Teams across 26 health services.
The government said Victoria continues to lead the nation in delivering urgent surgeries but acknowledged that delays in planned procedures for children require targeted intervention.
“Above all, we are a government that believes in improving our public health system, so families have somewhere to turn when they need it,” Allan said.
Shing also contrasted the government’s approach with the opposition. “Labor is delivering more surgeries than ever before, but under the Liberals, you’re on your own,” she said.
The measures form part of a broader effort to reduce waitlists, improve patient flow and ensure timely access to care for children across Victoria.
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