- Published:
- Tuesday 25 August 2026
Labor is delivering stronger, safer nurse-to-patient ratios – giving our nurses and midwives more support to provide the best possible care.
The Victorian Parliament today passed legislation to further strengthen nurse-to-patient ratios backed by a $109.7 million investment.
The changes will add more than 250 full-time equivalent nursing positions to Victoria’s world-class health system and reclassify 26 hospitals including 17 in rural and regional Victoria to a higher level.
The stronger ratios will provide more nurses on the floor, helping deliver safer care and better outcomes for patients.
Strong ratios also reduce pressure on nurses and midwives, supporting safer working conditions across Victoria’s hospitals and reducing burnout.
The changes build on the Labor Government’s continued work to strengthen nurse-to-patient ratios, following the implementation of strengthened ratios in key hospital settings from 1 July 2026.
Labor introduced nurse-to-patient ratios in Victoria and has continued to strengthen them, alongside delivering a 28.4 per cent pay rise for public sector nurses and midwives.
When they were last in power the Liberals tried to trade away nurse and patient safety during EBA negotiations.
Given the chance, a Liberal - One Nation coalition would do it again - cutting nursing jobs, weakening ratios and putting patients at risk.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ingrid Stitt
“This legislation delivers stronger ratios across our hospitals, giving nurses and midwives more support to provide safe, world- class care to every Victorian.”
“We legislated nurse-to-patient ratios and we’re continuing to strengthen them – because Victorian patients deserve the very best care, wherever they live.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victorian Branch) Secretary Maddy Harradence
“Stronger ratios mean nurses and midwives can spend more time with their patients and provide the safe, high-quality care every Victorian deserves.”
“This is an important investment in our nursing and midwifery workforce and for safe patient care across Victoria.”