The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Labor has a huge health agenda ahead of it. What policies should we expect?

  • Written by Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne

Middle aged man speaking

Labor’s win in Saturday’s election heralds real change in health policy. Although Labor had a small-target strategy, with limited big spending commitments, its victory represents a value shift to a party committed to equity and Medicare, and, potentially, a style shift to a hands-on, equity-oriented health minister.

Labor’s shadow health minister, Mark Butler[1], is expected to be the new health minister, subject to a reshuffle caused by two Labor shadow ministers losing their seats.

Butler is very different from his predecessor. He was Australia’s first minister for mental health and ageing in the Gillard government. He also held the equity-focused ministries of housing, homelessness, and social inclusion. He has written a book about ageing in Australia[2], published by Melbourne University Press.

The new minister faces two urgent policy priorities: primary care and COVID.

Fixing primary care

Outgoing health minister Greg Hunt released an unfunded strategy paper[3] on budget night. It aimed to improve primary care – a person’s first point of contact with the health system, usually their GP or practice nurses. The paper had languished on his desk for months and was the result of years of consultation and consensus-building[4].

One of the largest and most important Labor commitments during the campaign was almost A$1 billion over four years for primary care reform[5], about A$250 million in a full year.

The funding commitment is cast broadly, promising to improve patient access to GP-led multidisciplinary team care, including nursing and allied health and after-hours care; greater patient affordability; and better management of complex and chronic conditions.

Presumably, a key way this will be effected will be through voluntary patient enrolment[6]. A patient would enrol with a practice, and the practice would get an annual payment for that enrolment. This was promised for people over 70 in the 2019–20 budget but not delivered.

This new policy is a welcome start for reform in primary care and signals the importance that a Labor government attaches to the sector.

Middle aged man speaking
Mark Butler was minister for mental health and ageing in the Gillard government. AAP Image/Lukas Coch[7]

The Strengthening Medicare Fund[8] was only sketched out in broad terms before the election, and provides insight into the new ministerial style. The details of the policy will be thrashed out in a taskforce which will include key stakeholders. Most importantly, the taskforce will be chaired by the minister – no hiding behind consultants; he or she will hold the hose.

Read more: Labor's health package won't 'strengthen' Medicare unless it includes these 3 things[9]

Reducing COVID deaths

Another crucial early challenge for the minister will be addressing the continuing COVID pandemic[10].

COVID deaths continue: three times as many people have died this year than in the previous two. The coalition delegitimised any form of action, including mask wearing and vaccine mandates, as part of its undermining of state public health measures, especially action by Labor states.

The prevalence of third dose vaccinations, necessary for adequate protection from Omicron, sits at about two-thirds of the over-16 population, much lower in the under-16s, meaning that many in the population are not protected.

Public hospitals are bursting at the seams, with staff overwhelmed. This needs urgent attention, and the Coalition strategy of ignoring it and saying it was someone else’s problem, must be dumped. Labor vowed to[11] “step up the national strategy” late in the election campaign.

Read more: Reducing COVID transmission by 20% could save 2,000 Australian lives this year[12]

Aged care support

Hopefully Labor’s shadow aged care minister, Clare O’Neil[13], will continue in this role post-election. She proved more than a match for her hapless opponent, Richard Colbeck.

woman stands to speak with health workers standing behind Clare O'Neil was shadow minister for aged care and connected with those in the sector. AAP Image/Lukas Coch[14]

Labor made big commitments in aged care[15], creating a significant point of difference with the Coalition, despite the Coalition’s investments in the 2021–22 budget[16].

In addition to the Coalition commitments, Labor promised 24/7 registered nurse coverage in residential aged care facilities, and to support a wage rise for aged care workers. The latter is particularly important because without a wages uplift, the staff shortages in the sector will continue.

Read more: Labor's plans for aged care are targeted but fall short of what's needed[17]

A new approach

Labor won’t engage in climate denialism or use climate policy as a political wedge.

Recognising and addressing climate change is an important issue for the health sector[18] and, of course, the community more broadly as the teal surge and the Greens’ wins demonstrated.

Labor has committed to establishing a centre for prevention and disease control[19], which should provide a framework for addressing social and economic determinants of health.

Potentially as important in terms of policy style are Labor’s public service policies. The “consultocracy[20]” which thrived under the Liberals will be shown the door[21], replaced by public servants doing the job the public service has always been available to do.

Read more: First Nations people in the NT receive just 16% of the Medicare funding of an average Australian[22]

Obviously, a new Labor government will not be able to be meet all the community’s pent-up aspirations in a single term.

Nevertheless, it is disappointing Labor did not commit to phasing in universal dental care – the crucial missing piece[23] of Australia’s universal health coverage.

Butler and his colleagues have a huge agenda on their plates. Starting with primary care is a good first focus, as without those foundations in place, the whole system cannot work well.

References

  1. ^ Mark Butler (www.aph.gov.au)
  2. ^ book about ageing in Australia (www.mup.com.au)
  3. ^ unfunded strategy paper (www.health.gov.au)
  4. ^ consultation and consensus-building (consultations.health.gov.au)
  5. ^ primary care reform (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ voluntary patient enrolment (www.mja.com.au)
  7. ^ AAP Image/Lukas Coch (photos-cdn.aap.com.au)
  8. ^ Strengthening Medicare Fund (www.alp.org.au)
  9. ^ Labor's health package won't 'strengthen' Medicare unless it includes these 3 things (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ continuing COVID pandemic (www.theguardian.com)
  11. ^ vowed to (www.theguardian.com)
  12. ^ Reducing COVID transmission by 20% could save 2,000 Australian lives this year (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ Clare O’Neil (www.aph.gov.au)
  14. ^ AAP Image/Lukas Coch (photos-cdn.aap.com.au)
  15. ^ commitments in aged care (www.alp.org.au)
  16. ^ 2021–22 budget (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ Labor's plans for aged care are targeted but fall short of what's needed (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ important issue for the health sector (grattan.edu.au)
  19. ^ centre for prevention and disease control (www.alp.org.au)
  20. ^ consultocracy (www.degruyter.com)
  21. ^ shown the door (www.afr.com)
  22. ^ First Nations people in the NT receive just 16% of the Medicare funding of an average Australian (theconversation.com)
  23. ^ missing piece (grattan.edu.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/labor-has-a-huge-health-agenda-ahead-of-it-what-policies-should-we-expect-182764

The Times Features

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping