Every nurse, midwife, paramedic, doctor and healthcare worker across Victoria should feel safe going to work.
That’s why Labor is backing new ways to drive down rates of occupational violence in our hospitals.
Northern Health is leading an Australian-first review into reducing occupational violence and aggression (OVA) in a health setting.
The review is being delivered in partnership with the world-leading Monash University Accident Research Centre.
It is the first time a health service has opened its systems to a comprehensive, independent review of this scale.
It is also an acknowledgement of the increasing occurrence of OVA towards health workers at Northern Health.
In 2024/25 alone, the health service reported 4,275 incidents – the highest number across the state.
The review will focus on the underlying causes of violence and how to prevent incidents before they occur.
It will consult staff to understand when and where incidents occur and assess other relevant factors such as workplace design, hospital security and training.
Once complete, the findings will be used by Northern Health to develop a three-year plan.
This plan will provide real solutions to prevent incidents, improve staff safety and deliver safer care for patients.
Occupational violence and aggression are a complex and growing challenge for Victoria’s health services.
While there is no single solution, the Allan Labor Government is working closely with hospitals, Ambulance Victoria and other health services to keep the workforce safe.
This includes a review of Victoria’s Framework for Preventing and Managing Occupational Violence and Aggression.
It focuses on delivering a consistent statewide approach to OVA to drive down incidents.
This includes assessing a range of supports and procedures including strengthening security and alarm systems, staff training, and post-incident support.
Labor has invested more than $47 million in training, safety programs and reforms to prevent and respond to OVA.
As stated by Minister for Health Harriet Shing
“Our healthcare workers do incredible work caring for Victorians and they deserve to be safe and treated with respect.”
“The human impact of these disturbing and violent incidents is significant and the increase in cases in unacceptable.”
“We are looking at new ways of keeping healthcare workers safe – because we will always have their backs.”
As stated by Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halpenny
“Staff at the Northern do wonderful work caring for our community – they deserve to be safe every single day.”
