TLDR
Up to 10,000 Victorian public hospital doctors will stop work from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm on Thursday 1 October, rallying at Parliament House over 84-hour rosters and 14 months of bargaining with no written government offer. Emergency and intensive care units are exempt from the stoppage.
Doctors to halt shifts and rally at Parliament
Up to 10,000 Victorian public hospital doctors will stop work for four hours on Thursday 1 October. The strike will run from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. It is the first statewide strike in the sector's history. [1] A rally is scheduled for 3.30 pm on the steps of Parliament House.
The state government has tabled no written offer in 14 months of bargaining since July 2025, across roughly 60 meetings and three health ministers. [1] Doctors have received no pay rise since March 2025. [1]
Rosters and fatigue driving the action
Doctors are being rostered for 84-hour weeks. They frequently work longer when emergencies arise, leading to exhaustion and burn-out. [2]
ASMOF Victoria President Dr Roderick McRae said the decision was not taken lightly. "Our doctors do not take the decision to go on strike lightly. But the reality is they are being rostered on for 84-hour weeks and frequently work even longer when emergencies occur," Dr McRae said. "They are often completely exhausted and burnt out, with little opportunity to rest between shifts. The threat that this systemic fatigue presents to patient safety is simply unacceptable. That's why they've decided to take strike action this week." [2]
AMA Victoria President Dr Simon Judkins said unions want a 12.5-hour cap on shifts and at least three guaranteed days off every fortnight. "To ensure we can provide the best care for Victoria's patients, doctors are asking for a 12.5-hour limit to shifts and at least three guaranteed days off every fortnight to support proper rest and recovery. As other emergency services recognise, these basic measures are critical in managing fatigue and in keeping doctors and patients safe. We need the Carroll Labor Government to recognise that and come to the table with a reasonable offer in the interests of all Victorians," Dr Judkins said. [2]
Patient safety measures and government position
Emergency departments and intensive care units are exempt from the stoppage. Staffing will be held above Saturday levels under the agreement between unions and health services. [2] The action follows a planned 24-hour strike in mid-September. That strike was called off after a legal challenge by the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association.
Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the government respects doctors' right to collectively bargain. She said the government is engaging in good-faith negotiations with AMA Victoria and ASMOF Victoria to address their concerns. [3]
The rally at Parliament House begins at 3.30 pm on Thursday 1 October 2026.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
SOURCES & CITATIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which hospital services will still operate during the strike?
What are doctors asking for?
Why did the earlier 24-hour strike not go ahead?
Caleb Reed covers breaking news and sport. He works to the rhythm of a story as it unfolds, and he is happiest when the facts arrive faster than anyone can spin them.
