In December 2022 the Victorian Government made a commitment to undertake a review of non-emergency patient transport (NEPT).
NEPT services are an important feature of Victoria’s health system. These services are for Victorians who need clinical monitoring, supervision or care during transport to, from and between health care services.
Review Consultation
Extensive consultation was undertaken with the sector and people who use the services to inform the review.
The terms of reference for the review, release of a discussion paper seeking submissions and preliminary conversations with stakeholders occurred during 2023.
The review received 33 submissions and conducted 13 roundtables. Consultation involved public agencies including Ambulance Victoria, HealthShare Victoria, public health services and Triple Zero Victoria, private NEPT providers, unions and the NEPT workforce.
The Health Issues Centre was commissioned to develop an independent submission on behalf of patients, carers and community representatives. This was informed by conversations with a wide range of consumers.
Engagement with industry experts and other jurisdictions took place throughout the review period till December 2023.
Review Final Report
The review was led by Member for Melton Steve McGhie MP. A final report was presented to the Victorian Government for consideration at the end of 2023.
The Non-emergency Patient Transport Review Final Report was released in January 2025. It found that while the system had many strengths, improvements were needed to improve access, make it more efficient and better meet patient needs and workforce expectations.
The review’s findings, future options and recommendations will inform on improvements to the NEPT sector that will enable it to better meet the needs of the community and the health system.
Read the full Non-Emergency Patient Transport Review Final Report.
NEPT reform implementation
The department has commenced implementation of the NEPT reform agenda reflecting the Government’s response to the NEPT Review. System improvements have been organised into three workstreams focussed on:
- Strengthening governance to better align NEPT with the broader health system
- Workforce reform and development, supported by a dedicated NEPT workforce plan and the introduction of permanent employment targets
- Separating planned NEPT from unplanned NEPT and centralising all NEPT procurement through HealthShare Victoria to increase efficiencies and support sector viability
| NEPT Review findings | Actions |
|---|---|
Strengthen governance, oversight and patient experience Improve quality and safety | Stronger governance through:
|
Address workforce casualisation Support the attraction, retention, ongoing development, and career planning for the workforce | The development of:
|
Minimise disruption to planned transports Reduce duplication and improve access, particularly in regional Victoria Lower costs to private providers for consumables, linen and waste | A centralised procurement model that will:
|
Key milestones for Victorian Government's NEPT reform agenda are detailed below. NEPT providers and their key service delivery partners will receive implementation progress updates, including opportunities to engage through direct sector communications.
NEPT reform deliverables, outcomes and implementation timelines
Governance
| Deliverable | Key outcomes | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Integrate NEPT into health system frameworks. |
| From 2025-2026 |
| Strengthen regulations to align with NEPT Review findings |
| From April 2026 |
| Establish a performance monitoring approach for NEPT. |
| From 2026-27 |
Workforce
| Deliverable | Key outcomes | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a dedicated NEPT workforce plan. |
| By 2026 |
| Introduce permanent employment targets for private NEPT providers. |
| From 2027-28 |
Centralised procurement
| Deliverable | Key outcomes | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| HealthShare Victoria (HSV) to procure statewide NEPT contracts across defined geographical corridors. |
| From 2027-28 |
| Health services responsible for delivery of planned NEPT via private providers. |
| From 2027-28 |
| Private NEPT providers to access HSV’s bulk purchasing power for consumables, linen, laundry and waste disposal. |
| From 2027-28 |
Reviewed 27 November 2025