2024-10-05
Canberrans are encouraged to choose the ACT Greens’ plan for a genuinely free and accessible health care system this election.
Deputy Leader Rebecca Vassarotti said the ACT Greens will step up in this cost of living crisis to ensure everyone can access free, timely care at all points on their health journey.
“The old parties’ plans lack ambition, pace and a holistic approach that is so desperately needed to address the issues with the health system," Ms Vassarotti said.
“Canberrans should be able to access healthcare - for free - when they need it, not just when they are in crisis.
“Our plan goes further and faster to deliver an ACT health system that actually cares for you at all stages on your health journey, from birth to end of life.
“We will deliver over 160,000 free GP appointments with four bulk-billed, government run clinics and establish a mental health safe haven in each town centre so you can get support close to home, at no additional cost.
“We will have new services that have no out of pocket costs, such as a perinatal mental health residential facility similar to QEII, so you don’t have to choose between your health, rent or putting food on the table.
“We will provide free ambulances for emergencies because when you are in a health crisis, there shouldn't be barriers to call for help.
“Truly universal health care is possible - you just have to vote for it.”
ACT Greens MLA for Murrumbidgee, Emma Davidson, said the party has worked with the community to identify gaps in the system and develop transformative plans to expand Canberra’s public health system.
“An accessible health system means choice and continuity of care. Currently there are a lot of services where people travel interstate to receive care, mostly because the care they need isn’t available in the ACT,” Ms Davidson said.
“The Greens will establish a free, nation-leading integrated inpatient eating disorder unit. It will deliver therapeutic care simultaneously with medical stabilisation to reduce trauma and help people recover quicker.
“We will also think differently about disability and provide people with support before or without a neurodivergent diagnosis. For those who want one, diagnosis and assessments will be free at the Centre for Neurodivergence.
“Our plan will transform how we will support people’s mental health and wellbeing. Emotional distress can present symptoms similar to mental health conditions, but need a different response.
“In addition to expanding mental health services, we will also provide support for the things that cause emotional distress, such as bereavement and relationship breakdowns.
“As our population grows, so will the services we deliver. That’s why the Greens will establish an independent board to ensure good care, transparency, accountability and make the ACT health system the provider of choice.”
Greens candidate for Yerrabi Soëlily Consen-Lynch, said the plan will position the ACT’s public health system as an employer of choice with innovative practices and new, progressive career opportunities.
“The ACT Greens’ plan to deliver new services and nation-leading models of care will attract the current workforce and students nationally to Canberra,” Ms Consen-Lynch said.
“While the other parties throw cash incentives to only select areas of the workforce to attract them, these are just bandaid solutions that fail to look at the health system as a whole.
“The ACT Greens plan respects and values all health workers - we will consider their long term future with our health system and ensure the structures are in place to support them.
“We will provide the workforce with opportunities to truly excel in their careers such as the freestanding birth centre, and training for GPs to specialise in chronic health condition management.”
The ACT Greens’ vision for a truly universal and accessible health system can be found on the party website.