Despite warnings from the Victorian Auditor-General, Daniel Andrews has failed to take action to prevent cyber-attacks on Victorian hospitals, leading to the cancellations of hundreds of surgeries.
In May of this year, the Auditor-General warned the government that:
“All the audited health services are vulnerable to attacks that could steal or alter patient data.”
and
“A breach could also disable health service’ ICT systems and prevent staff from accessing patient information.”
In spite of these clear and frank warnings, the Andrews Labor Government has sat on its hands and failed to provide the funding required to ensure Victorian hospitals do not fall victim to cyber-attacks.
Barwon Health was one of the many health services that suffered cyber-attacks earlier this month resulting in patients having their surgeries cancelled.
The CEO of Barwon Health, Frances Diver, confirmed on 3AW with Neil Mitchell earlier this month that Barwon Health had received no additional funding to implement any of the Auditor-General’s findings.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier:
“Victoria’s health system is in crisis due to Daniel Andrews’ savage cuts, placing the lives of Victorians at risk.”
“As a result of Daniel Andrews’ failure to act on warnings about cyber-attacks hundreds of Victoria patients have had their surgeries cancelled, putting lives at risk.”
“Daniel Andrews must immediately provide the funding required to ensure that Victorian hospitals do not once again fall victim to devastating cyber-attacks.”