Media Release dated 9/5/2023
Australian Patients Association welcomes budget initiatives but seeks further clarity and investment
The Australian Patients Association (APA) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s significant investment to improve Australian’s health in its 2023 budget announcement – in particular, the following initiatives:
• increasing the bulk billing incentive program;
• expanding the national immunisation program to enable access to vaccines at pharmacies; and
• funding after hours GP programs are welcome initiatives;
• the ban on vaping; and
• tax increases on cigarettes.
APA Ambassador for Health Reform Dr Nick Coatsworth said “The budget measures are focused on a number of Australian’s concerns about their healthcare.”
“In particular the marked increase in bulk billing incentive for rural general practitioners is a real win for rural patients. The Australian Healthcare Index shows two of the top concerns for Australians are affordability of General Practice Care and access to General Practice Care. This budget makes an important contribution to those” he said.
Dr Coatsworth went on to commend the $3.5 billion increase in bulk billing incentives, but also talked about the importance of linking this investment with performance measures and outcomes. “We would all share the desire that these investments result in real improvements to care, and genuine increases in bulk billing. We look forward to what quality indicators and other performance criteria are applied to ensure the benefits flow to consumers as planned” he said.
Acting Director of the APA Mr David Clarke also declared this a strong health budget, but cautioned that this must be the first of many years of investment in reform. “Medicare has taken many years of neglect to get to the point it is today, and is part of a wider a system with vast problems. The government has taken a powerful first step by making a commitment to Medicare in this budget, and we urge it to continue on this path for the duration of its incumbency. There could be no better legacy than a high-quality healthcare system accessible to all Australians, no matter where they live or how much they earn” he said. “However, we still have a long way to go.”
“The APA will continue to monitor the implementation of these budget measures and advocate for the needs of patients to be at the forefront of healthcare policy decisions” he said.
For further information contact: David Clarke on 0416 156 923 or Nick Coatsworth on 0417 610 483
email dclarke@patients.org.au