ACEM is disappointed that the Liberal’s health announcement is primarily a ‘recap’ of health policies and investment already delivered, and lacks detail or any genuine solutions to the healthcare system crisis.
Of particular disappointment to the College was the absence of any investments or commitments aimed at implementing the findings from the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan.
Without investment in primary health care and other issues highlighted by the College, the dangerous acute access block, ambulance ramping and ED overcrowding crisis will continue to worsen, leading to poorer health outcomes for Australians – including preventable deaths.
Solving this wicked problem requires substantial planning and investment, and ACEM urges all parties contesting the 2022 federal election to demonstrate commitment and imagination towards ensuring Australia’s health system is genuinely world leading.
ACEM President Dr Clare Skinner said, “The Liberal’s health plan is hollow and lacks any genuine content. Australians need our political leaders to show leadership, vision and the capacity to translate the vision into action.”
“The solutions to the problems plaguing health across Australia are not easy, and they are not quick. But genuine leadership isn’t supposed to be easy. We need leaders who will stand up for health and can bring all parts of the healthcare system together to reimagine a better, more equitable way of doing things. Until our leaders do this, the health system will keep getting worse, and more and more people will suffer, and die preventable deaths.”
The College welcomes the announcement that Senator Anne Ruston would be appointed as Minister for Health and Aged Care in a re-elected Morrison Joyce Government. As the current Minister for Families and Social Services and the Minister for Women's Safety, ACEM welcomes Senator Ruston’s experience in communities, and her understanding of the socioeconomic determinants of health.
Dr Skinner said, “I look forward to meeting Senator Ruston and having a conversation on how we can strengthen and better integrate the Australian health system to ensure it is a safer, and more equitable, system for all Australians.”
Read more on ACEM’s 2022 Federal Election Priorities.
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
Media Contact:
Melissa Howard [email protected] + 61 427 621 857