Thousands of Victorian public hospital doctors have taken a major step towards possible industrial action for the first time in 20 years, as a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions continues.
Doctors’ representatives say negotiations with the government have reached a critical stage, with key issues including wages, overtime payments, workload pressures, and workplace conditions still unresolved.
The move could pave the way for protected industrial action if members approve the next steps through the required legal process. However, doctors say their priority remains reaching an agreement through negotiations rather than disrupting healthcare services.
The potential action comes amid wider tensions across Victoria’s health sector, with other healthcare workers also involved in disputes over pay and working conditions.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as any industrial action could affect hospital operations across the state.
