Backlash Over Race-Based ER Policy at St Vincent’s Hospital

St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne has sparked controversy after introducing a policy that fast-tracks Indigenous patients in its emergency department by automatically classifying them as “Category Three,” ensuring treatment within 30 minutes. The hospital argues this move aims to close the gap in emergency care outcomes after internal research showed Indigenous patients waited longer than others. However, critics, including Indigenous leader Nyunggai Warren Mundine, have condemned the policy as divisive and discriminatory, arguing that triage should be based solely on medical urgency, not race.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan defended the directive as a step toward improving health outcomes for vulnerable groups, while opposition figures such as Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier called it “chaotic” and warned it could undermine trust in the healthcare system. Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative—95% of respondents in a Herald Sun poll opposed the move, viewing it as unfair and counterproductive to equality.

The policy has reignited debate over Victoria’s broader Indigenous agenda and upcoming Treaty legislation, with many citizens concerned about increasing social division. While St Vincent’s maintains the change hasn’t affected overall patient flow, widespread criticism suggests the issue has become a flashpoint in Australia’s ongoing discussion about race, equity, and healthcare fairness.

Neeland, J. (2025, October 29). Vic Premier defends hospital emergency dept prioritising Indigenous patients. HelloCare. https://hellocare.com.au/vic-premier-defends-hopsital-emergency-dept-prioritising-indigenous-patients/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hellocare-thursday-newsletter-15052025