Investigation launched into claims fake patients used during Victorian minister’s hospital visit

Reports 10 people, including one who arrived by ambulance, feigned illness at Colac urgent care clinic

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Victoria’s health department is investigating allegations staff and family members at a regional hospital posed as patients during a visit from the state’s health minister, Mary-Anne Thomas.

The Colac Herald on Wednesday reported allegations that at least 10 people, who were not unwell, were inside Colac Area Health’s urgent care clinic during Thomas’ visit in August 2023.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup