PRESS RELEASE: AHHA welcomes the new Government and their commitment to delivering what matters to Australians

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) congratulates the Australian Labor Party on its election to government over the weekend, and welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s commitment to prioritise the issues Australians have identified as being critical in the lead up to the election.

Climate change, the affordability of living, government accountability, the economy and health polled as the top five issues for Australians in this election.

‘We know that the healthcare system is the ‘catchall’ when the government does not get the policies right in these other areas,’ says AHHA Acting Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock.

‘We have seen this play out during through the bushfires, floods and other natural disasters experienced across the country. Health and wellbeing suffer, mental health suffers.

‘Again, we have seen this play out during the pandemic, where those faced with inadequate housing, insecure employment and low incomes have been most vulnerable to the negative impacts of necessary public health measures such as lockdowns, as well as most at risk from the adverse health effects of infection. Inequities in the health of Australians were exposed and exacerbated.

‘And we have also seen this highlighted through the numerous inquiries into aged and disability care.

‘Pressure is placed on the health system, and our health workforce is expected to respond. But they are doing so without the necessary structures and support that empowers them.

‘Our newly elected government must provide the leadership for health care to be done differently. And the beginning of a three-year term is the time to commit to health care that puts people and communities at the centre of care.’

An outcomes-focused, value-based approach provides the framework required to focus Australia’s complex health system on the shared goal of delivering the outcomes that matter to Australians, provide the environment for our workforce to work safely and effectively in well-supported teams, and ensure the sustainability of our health system – environmentally, socially and economically.

‘Australians have voted for change, and AHHA applauds Labor’s commitment to providing this. We look forward to working with the newly elected Government to ensure all Australians can achieve good health and equitable access to healthcare.’

The online version of this media release and our 2022 Election Statement may be found on the AHHA website: https://ahha.asn.au/news/ahha-welcomes-new-government-and-their-commitment-delivering-what-matters-australians