Victoria healthcare workers demand urgent security reforms

Healthcare workers in Victoria are facing a significant rise in workplace violence, with reported incidents at public hospitals increasing by 44 per cent over the last three years. Medical professionals report being subjected to physical assaults, including being bitten, punched, kicked, and spat on, as well as virulent verbal abuse that is frequently sexualised or racialised.

Associate Professor Mark Putland, chair of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Victoria branch, noted that these incidents are causing widespread burnout and psychological harm, contributing to staff leaving the profession. Female staff have been particularly targeted by sexualised abuse.

In anticipation of the November state election, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia are calling for urgent reforms. Their demands include the deployment of 24/7 specially trained security guards in every emergency department and the creation of a specialised taskforce with a direct reporting line to the health minister to coordinate responses to hospital violence.