On Tuesday 16 June, over 3,000 allied health professionals from across Victoria took part in a historic 24-hour stop work action, sending a clear message to the Victorian Government that allied health workers will no longer accept being undervalued, underpaid and overlooked.
Members Taking Action
Members of HSU Victoria No. 3 Branch (VAHPA) stood shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues from HSU Victoria No. 4 Branch (MSAV, VPA and AHP) in a powerful display of unity after more than 9 months of protracted bargaining for a new Allied Health Professionals Enterprise Agreement. The action represented the largest and most significant industrial action ever undertaken by Victorian allied health professionals.
The overwhelming turnout demonstrated the growing frustration across the workforce. Despite repeated attempts by VAHPA and MSAV to negotiate fair outcomes, members continue to face workforce shortages, escalating workloads, recruitment and retention challenges, and pay rates that lag behind comparable jurisdictions.
The Government’s latest offer has failed to address these concerns, prompting members to escalate their campaign for fair recognition and respect.
Throughout the day, thousands of allied health professionals rallied at Parliament House and participated in coordinated actions across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Essential and urgent services continued to be protected, while members exercised their right to take industrial action in support of a fair agreement.
Fix Allied Health
The industrial action forms part of the broader campaign to address the longstanding undervaluation of allied health professionals in Victoria’s public health system.
Allied Health Professionals and supporters are encouraged to add their voice to the campaign by signing the Fix Allied Health petition:
Every signature helps demonstrate the community’s support for a stronger, properly resourced allied health workforce.
Media Coverage
I can tell you right now, there are a lot of CEOs in a lot of hospitals who know who Allied Health are, but didn’t know a week ago.
Andrew Hewat, VAHPA Executive Officer
Passionate delegates, members and officials from both VAHPA and MSAV gave clear and sincere speeches, levelling the unacceptable deals offered at the bargaining table, and reinforcing the essential nature of AHPs in every context. The strike generated significant media attention across Victoria, highlighting the vital role allied health professionals play in delivering patient care and the growing concerns surrounding workforce retention and sustainability.
VAHPA has collated media coverage relating to the industrial action and allied health bargaining campaign. Members can view the latest coverage here:
We thank every member who participated in yesterday’s action, whether attending rallies, supporting workplace activities, speaking to media, or standing in solidarity with colleagues across the state.
And an especially massive thank you to Andrew Hewat for his remarkable leadership throughout these negotiations. Andrew has been a constant source of advice, wisdom and support, dedicating an extraordinary amount of time and effort to advancing the interests of Allied Health Professionals. His experience, determination and commitment to our members have played a significant role in building the strong campaign we see today.
Together, we continue to send a clear message: Victoria’s allied health workforce deserves a fair deal.
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