There has been a strong narrative from government of the need to address underfunding of the health sector under the previous government.
The health portfolio has received a cash injection, with additional funding for District Health Boards, primary health and mental health. It is not clear yet whether the range of issues emergency departments face will be addressed through funding in this budget, however there are potential benefits to be realised through the increase of funding to District Health Boards (approx. $110 million more than last financial year). The detail of how the funding commitments will be spent is still to emerge and will require ongoing monitoring and engagement by ACEM.
Download the College’s Budget summary.