Health

High quality, easily accessible health care is a fundamental right for all Australians. With an ageing population and rising health costs that outstrip the CPI, there needs to be a new approach that focuses on preventative health care.

Examples of what needs to be done:

• Government resources should be directed to maximising patient outcomes that involve enhancing local care and existing GP clinics.
• Preventative health care must be an absolute government priority, with targeted funding to reduce chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis. This should include comprehensive and effective public education campaigns.
• Telemedicine should be expanded for regional communities to improve access to specialist medical care.
• Address medical practices which pursue quantity over quality.
• The 30% private health insurance rebate should be reinstated to ensure greater participation and affordability. This in turn takes pressure off the public hospital system.
• The Australian health care system should be subject to rigorous evidence based assessment to identify and eliminate waste and maximise efficiency.