Check out what makes the health policies of everyone but the ALP and Coaltion stick out from the crowd.
With the election tomorrow, it’s near impossible to avoid hearing about the major parties’ promises regarding health policy.
Aside from the obvious big hitting commitments such as the Medicare and bulk-billing policy, many other health-related national issues have gone largely unmentioned by the ALP and Coalition.
It has been primarily the focus of minor parties and independents to address these issues as a selling point.
The Greens have been especially vocal about health policy this election cycle, with extensions on Medicare at the forefront of their campaigning.
These proposed additions would see both mental and dental health integrated into the current Medicare system with additional proposals of coverage for ADHD and autism diagnosis.
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In alignment with many independents, the Greens have supported a boost to subsidised psychologist sessions, citing a 70% increase in demand.
In line with recommendations from rural healthcare bodies, the Greens have also advocated for greater funding to address the impact that climate change has on healthcare both in treatment and workforce support.
The Greens have also proposed a plan to increase access to medicinal cannabis via allocation of $10 million over two years to investigate potential listing of medicinal cannabis on the PBS.
Aside from this, the remainder of the Greens’ health policy aligned with the proposals also made by Labor regarding bulk billing and urgent care clinics.
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Independents have caused a stir this election as more voters look their way.
Current Member for Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan, with her experience in healthcare, has also pushed for Medicare to cover dental health, stating that untreated dental health conditions cost the country $45 billion in lost productivity every year.
She has also pushed for Medicare reform regarding a shift in focus from high patient turnovers to prioritising preventive care, along with suggestions to enact evidence-based reform on AHPRA, the TGA and the PBS.
Along with this, she has also stated her support for an increase in Australia’s medical research funding, citing its potential economic benefit.
Dr Sophie Scamps, the current federal member for Mackellar, has also made proposals that mirror the Greens and Dr Ryan.
However, she does have a distinct focus on the aged care sector, proposing the integrations of reform recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission.
She has also advocated for greater public hospital investment and proposed the ban on junk food advertising targeted at children and young people.
The unforgettable member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has stayed on brand with his election promises regarding health.
He has proposed an agreement that rural and country hospitals and dental services will be placed under the control of a restored local hospital board.
However, he has not made any claims of support for reform to Medicare or bulk billing publicly, as of writing.
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party has also reiterated the current need for better investment into rural health, proposing training schemes to alleviate education costs.
