Hundreds of Regional Doctors Walk Out Over Burnout and Poor Working Conditions

Doctors at Ballarat Base Hospital and Bendigo Health walked off the job for four hours, marking the first large-scale regional strike in Victoria in 20 years. They said relentless fatigue, insufficient break times and understaffing have pushed them to the brink, with some working beyond rostered hours and forgoing basic needs. The Australian Medical Association Victoria reported that despite a year of negotiations the state has not presented an industrial-relations or enterprise-bargaining offer.

Hospital operators Grampians Health and Bendigo Health said they respect the protected action and have arranged coverage for essential services while the redevelopment of Ballarat Base Hospital proceeds, slated for completion in late 2027. Doctors highlighted that the new emergency department and additional beds will not solve staffing problems, and pointed to recent data showing long emergency-department stays, especially in regional hospitals. The dispute underscores broader pressures on Victoria’s public health system, including a high proportion of patients spending over 24 hours in emergency wards.