Budgets bring a big chill

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Both the State and Federal health budgets will significantly impact the health system in Western Australia.

The Barnett Government's health budget was a record $8 billion spend, with much of the extra funds directed to the much-advertised $7 billion building programme.

However, even with nearly 6% more in the budget, the health system will have to deal with an expected 1 million + emergency department presentations and more than 2 million outpatient treatments.

The budget has been affected by cost blowouts at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) and the very welcome retention of clerical services at FSH.

But on the ground, the jobs freeze is sending a message of a system in crisis, with real concerns being expressed about looming clinical risks and safety for staff.

Federally, the health budget is a nightmare. The $7 co-payment undermines the universal principles of Medicare, and rightly, should be strongly resisted in the Senate and community.

While immediate cuts to Federal payments and to states are unfair, the longer term unilateral scrapping of the previously agreed long-term growth funding is disastrous. The implication that the Federal Government is playing politics to get the states to ask for an increase in the GST is shameful, and sadly, a return to the same old Federal-State blame game.

If you think the State and / or Federal health budgets are unfair, contact your local State MPs or Federal MPs.