I always care about who wins, and my allegiances have shifted over time. But no matter the result, I love the process. To me, it’s a reminder that ordinary people have the power to make a difference, and that ultimately, politicians are there to serve the community.
Ask any political advisor, and they’ll tell you that there are no votes in health. They’ll say that parties never campaign on health because it’s too difficult, it’s too complex – the public just don’t understand how the health system works.
But people like us, who work in emergency departments, know that health is all about politics. The decisions politicians make about health systems have significant impacts on the people who seek our care – from how resources are allocated, to where hospitals are built, and to which groups get access to new medications and equipment. We know that the politics of health, and the socioeconomic determinants of health inequity, really matter. Because we know this, we work hard to keep health, and health system reform, on the political agenda.
Last month, I tuned in to watch the South Australian election. A virtual group of friends and colleagues joined me, chatting over WhatsApp and text messages. Two things really stuck out.
First, South Australian politicians are very polite. The discourse around the desk, and on the live feeds, was civil and respectful to a degree I have rarely witnessed. It was a pleasure to see members of opposing political parties discussing policy issues without descending to personal attacks or repeated catchphrases.
I hope that this signals a change for the better in our public political discourse, and that it inspires all of us to collaborate – instead of competing – to solve problems.
Second, health reform was front and centre in this election. The South Australian health service has been under pressure for years and longstanding problems were exacerbated by restructures that occurred through the ‘Transforming Health’ reforms. Even though South Australia has fared relatively well through the pandemic, it was clear that healthcare workers, and the public, have had more than enough.
ACEM’s SA Faculty, led by Chair Dr Michael Edmonds, worked with College policy, communications and media experts to put together detailed, impactful and targeted information about the pressures on public hospitals – and the solutions. They compiled a wish list of necessary changes, contacted party leaders directly, and ran a strategic and high-profile public communications and media blitz.
Antony Green called the election for Labor just two hours after polls closed and counting began. He then turned to the studio panel and asked Labor MP Tom Koutsantonis – who served as Leader of Opposition Business in the previous parliament – about his priorities for the next four years. Mr Koutsantonis said, without hesitation, we need to fix health, we need to fix ambulance ramping and we need to fix hospital access block.
I believe that this may mark a turning point in Australian politics.
It’s proof that the public do understand health, and that they will no longer put up with extended waits, ambulance queues and growing out-of-pocket costs. They know they need and deserve better than this.
It’s also proof that you can run a successful election campaign on health.
It’s a reminder to politicians who are yet to face elections this year, that you ignore the health needs of the population, and the problems with the health system that have been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, at your own peril.
Congratulations to the SA Faculty, and the College staff who supported them, on their leadership, hard work, and success getting emergency department issues on the state government agenda.
And for others like me who love politics, it’s time to get ready for the next two rounds – the federal election likely held in May, and the Victorian state election in November. Read up on the issues ACEM is highlighting in the federal election, get involved with your ACEM Faculty and re-share ACEM’s campaign posts on social media. In the meantime, start cleaning your barbecue, re-fill the sauce bottles, and think about who to invite to your COVID-safe election night party.
Because what we are experiencing in the health system right now is not normal, it isn’t safe, and it can be fixed.
And together, we can make sure that health reform stays on the political menu.
Dr Clare Skinner
ACEM President