VAHPA Seeks Substantial Pay Increases

Victorian allied health professionals are expressing outrage over the Allan government’s 2026 budget, which neglects to address the gender-based undervaluation in their predominantly female workforce. This issue has persisted despite recent findings by the Fair Work Commission.
The Commission recently found that allied health professionals have been significantly undervalued and underpaid under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020. Wage increases needed to rectify this situation are absent from the budget.

Representing these workers, the Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association (VAHPA) is negotiating for a new public sector enterprise agreement. They are calling for significant pay rises to match the Commission’s findings. These increases aim to improve wages, retain staff, and reduce losses to the private sector and interstate.

Performing critical roles in public hospitals, allied health professionals test, treat, scan, diagnose, rehabilitate, and discharge patients. Comprehensive care during hospital stays depends heavily on their work.

VAHPA Prepares for Industrial Action

Despite the government’s professed commitment to gender equality, the budget does not address recruitment and retention challenges faced by the sector amid rising living costs. VAHPA is advocating for a 36.18% wage increase over three years, following 24 meetings across eight months without a government offer.
Andrew Hewat, Executive Officer of VAHPA, stated, “Allied health professionals are outraged by the Allan government’s failure to recognise them in this budget. As members prepare to vote on protected industrial action, the state government’s lack of regard will simply fuel the fight for respect, recognition, and better pay and conditions.”

Hewat further emphasised, “Allied health professionals are the engine room of our public hospitals. Yet, allied health professionals are largely the forgotten workforce. This Allan government budget offers nothing to address the critical workforce shortages or deal with addressing the years of gender undervaluation that have eroded real wages.”

VAHPA members are now gearing up to vote on protected industrial action, with expectations of strong support due to the perceived ongoing lack of recognition. The outcome of this vote could significantly impact the delivery of healthcare services across Victoria.

Hopes for a change in direction arise with the prospect of a new health minister. Acknowledging the essential role allied health professionals play in delivering safe, quality healthcare is crucial. However, the current budget shows no sign of such a shift.

Amid critical workforce shortages and workload blowouts, no real plan exists to secure a sustainable, high-quality allied health workforce. The sector’s discontent reflects a broader call for respect and fair compensation, aligning with the Fair Work Commission’s findings of gender-based undervaluation. With living costs climbing, the situation remains urgent.