Winning!

THE BASE

On 19th September 2000, Mildura Base Hospital was taken over by a private company.​

On 15th September 2020 - almost 20 years later, to the day - we took it back.

After years of advocacy, we’re happy to announce that the epi-centre of our local healthcare system has been placed back into public management.

Our new hospital will enjoy a pivot away from a management driven by profit making, to one driven by patient care – 20 years after the failed privatisation experiment imposed on us by the Kennett Government.

A truly public, community and patient-centred hospital is here. To stay.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The path to privatisation and back to public management was a long and arduous one, spanning over 20 years.
Scroll through our timeline to see how it happened, and the people who fought along the away.

The Kennett Government oversees drastic cuts to public hospital funding.
Many are closed.
The Government announces plans to fully privatise Mildura Base and other hospitals, including La Trobe and the Austin. Mildura community opposes the plan.
Privatisation proceeds.
Contract signed with Ramsay Health Care to operate Mildura Base Hospital until 2015. Building to be constructed and owned by Motor Trades Association.
Ramsay Health Care takes over.
Ramsay attempts to hand hospital back to Victorian Government following two years of operational losses.
Government refuses request.
Local Surgeon Dr Kevin Chambers blows the whistle on chronic staffing and safety issues.
Warns community of the upcoming government decision to renew the Ramsay contract.
Community group Reclaim the Base formed.
Begins campaign for the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
Reclaim the Base hosts first public meeting.
700 community members vote unanimously to end failed privatisation experiment.
Reclaim the Base becomes incorporated as an association.
Reclaim the Base holds second public rally.
Cancer patient Ilona Legin delivers powerful story about her adverse experiences at Mildura Base Hospital.
Rally held in Langtree Mall to highlight loss of the traditional Good Friday Appeal due to privatisation.
Reclaim the Base and supporters travel to Melbourne for meeting with then Health Minister David Davis to present a petition of 2700 signatures.
Health Minister advises he cannot table the petition because it is addressed to the Legislative Assembly, but refuses to give it back.
Napthine Government purchases Mildura Base Hospital building from Motor Trades Association, but extends Ramsay’s management contract for a further 5 years to 2020.
Mildura Hospital Conversation Group emerges as a new voice for returning the hospital to public hands.
Andrews Government launches community consultation process regarding the hospital’s future.
Pro public hospital campaigner Ali Cupper elected to Victorian Parliament.
Community meeting held at Office of Ali Cupper MP to kick off refreshed campaign for the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
Ali Cupper MP and Chief of Staff Stephen Parr prepare for first meeting with Health Minister to formally request that the private contract not be renewed.
Victorian Government announces survey results showing 90% of respondents want Mildura Base Hospital returned to public management.
Victorian Health Minister visits Mildura to meet with community members and stakeholders regarding Mildura Base Hospital.
It's Ours.
Victorian Premier and Health Minister visit Mildura to announce the return of Mildura Base Hospital to public hands.
Newly appointed Community Consultative Committee meets for first time to help shape Government’s Regional Service Review, setting the scene for future Government investment.
First community board in more than 20 years appointed to the newly renamed ‘Mildura Base Public Hospital’.
History is made.
Victoria’s only privatised, for-profit, public hospital returned to public hands after an epic community fight. Ramsay Health Care leaves the building.
1992-1999
1998
March 1999
September 2000
February 2005
November 2011
April 2012
May 2012
June 2012
August 2012
March 2013
May 2013
June 2013
July 2013
May 2015
October 2018
November 2018
January 2019
February 2019
April 2019
August 2019
September 2019
December 2019
June 2020
15th September 2020

Related Posts

Mildura Base Public Hospital masterplan update

September 10, 2021 No Comments

MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has requested an update from Victoria’s Health Minister, Martin Foley, on the status of the Mildura Base Public Hospital masterplan.
During question time this week, Ms Cupper asked the Health Minister about the progress of planning regarding the hospital’s future.

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Reclaiming the Base

July 3, 2020 No Comments

Following 20 years of privatisation and 10 years of campaigning, I am proud to have worked with our community to bring Mildura Base Hospital back into public hands.

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June 29, 2020 No Comments

IT IS imperative as many people as possible have their say on health services in the region ahead of Mildura Base Public Hospital being returned to public management.

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Mildura Base Public Hospital masterplan update

September 10, 2021 No Comments

MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has requested an update from Victoria’s Health Minister, Martin Foley, on the status of the Mildura Base Public Hospital masterplan.
During question time this week, Ms Cupper asked the Health Minister about the progress of planning regarding the hospital’s future.

Read More »

Reclaiming the Base

July 3, 2020 No Comments

Following 20 years of privatisation and 10 years of campaigning, I am proud to have worked with our community to bring Mildura Base Hospital back into public hands.

Read More »

Have your say on health services

June 29, 2020 No Comments

IT IS imperative as many people as possible have their say on health services in the region ahead of Mildura Base Public Hospital being returned to public management.

Read More »

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The Mildura electorate is on the traditional lands of the Latji Latji, Ngintait, Nyeri Nyeri and Wergaia people.

We pay our respects to Aboriginal elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the enduring connection of Aboriginal people to the land on which we live and work.

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