VPTAS Alliance welcomes boost to patient travel support, calls on all parties to match reform

The announcement is a step towards improving access to essential medical treatment for regional and rural Victorians.

The commitment would increase accommodation support to $125 per night and private vehicle travel subsidies to 35 cents per kilometre from 1 July 2027. This represents a $53.6 million investment in helping patients and carers meet the costs of travelling for treatment.

The announcement follows longstanding calls to reform the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).

VPTAS provides financial assistance to eligible Victorians who need to travel long distances to access specialist medical treatment.

The VPTAS Alliance is a collaboration of 20 cancer, chronic disease, patient and carer support organisations, including Diabetes Victoria. The Alliance has urged all parties in the 2026 Victorian election to commit to similar reforms.

“This announcement is a positive step in the right direction towards a more equitable Victorian healthcare system,” says Diabetes Victoria CEO Glen Noonan.

“Victorians living in regional and rural parts of the state routinely need to travel to access essential medical care.

“With no choice but to travel long distances for treatment, the cost of fuel and accommodation can place enormous pressure on families.

“Travel expenses shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving the best care possible.”

While welcoming the announcement, the VPTAS Alliance said it looked forward to continuing discussions about the future of the scheme, including ensuring support keeps pace with rising costs and addressing barriers that prevent some patients and carers from accessing assistance.

The VPTAS Alliance is calling on all parties contesting this election to commit to similar support for Victorian patients and carers to ensure they can access a fairer travel assistance scheme.

About the VPTAS Alliance

Cancer Council Victoria leads the VPTAS Alliance, a collaboration of 20 cancer, chronic disease, patient and carer support organisations united by a shared commitment to ensure every Victorian can receive the best possible medical care – no matter where they live or their financial circumstances. Together, we're advocating for fairer travel and accommodation support for regional patients.