“The Australian Government is investing in a stronger health system as part of our plan for a stronger future through a record $132 billion in 2022–23, increasing to $140 billion in 2025–26, with a total commitment of $537 billion over the next four years.” The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Former Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Coalition Government is putting a lot of money into making healthcare better as part of their plan for the future. They’re giving a record $132 billion in 2022–23, which will go up to $140 billion in 2025–26. In total, they’re committing $537 billion over the next four years.
This big investment is meant to make sure that all Australians can get better healthcare when and where they need it. It’s all about helping people live healthier lives and have better health.
Here are just some of the ways the government is helping the future of Australian Health Care:
Guaranteeing Medicare
The Government is committed to record-breaking investment in Medicare to ensure universal access to healthcare services for all Australians, regardless of their location.
Medicare will receive a total investment of $133 billion over the next four years, distributed as follows:
- $31.4 billion in 2022–23, marking a $7.3 billion increase from the 2021–22 Budget.
- $32.3 billion in 2023–24.
- $33.9 billion in 2024–25.
- $35.5 billion in 2025–26.
Telehealth has emerged as the most significant reform to Medicare since its inception, substantially improving access to healthcare services. This achievement is a cornerstone of the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan, characterised by its rapid adoption and highly positive response from both medical practitioners and patients. Notably, more than 100 million telehealth services have been delivered to 17 million Australians across the country since March 2020.
Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan
Australia’s world-class primary health care system has long served as the frontline and initial point of contact for many Australians.
The Government’s commitment to Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan has resulted in the implementation of $1.1 billion in primary care measures, with an additional investment of $632.8 million in this budget. This brings the total investment in the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan to $1.7 billion, significantly surpassing the initial investment goal of $448 million.
10-Year Stronger Rural Health Strategy
The Government continues its unwavering commitment to ensure quality healthcare services and treatments are accessible to all Australians, including those in regional, rural, and remote communities.
Building upon the 10-Year Stronger Rural Health Strategy within the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan, the focus remains on enhancing health outcomes by distributing a quality health workforce based on community needs.
The 10-Year Stronger Rural Health Strategy, initially introduced in 2018–19 with a $550 million investment, is reinforced with an additional $296.5 million allocated in the 2022–23 Budget.
Indigenous Health
The Government is dedicating over $4.6 billion to prioritise and enhance health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These investments align with the priorities and objectives of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, along with all Australians, will benefit from the Government’s comprehensive investment of $537 billion across the entire Health portfolio.
Digital Health
A $72 million investment by the Government is aimed at modernising Australia’s healthcare system, introducing innovative methods of care delivery, and promoting the adoption of new technologies through the Health Delivery Modernisation Program.
The future of Australian health care looks good, and we’re hoping to see great improvement in the years ahead. If you’d like a list of the full plan, click here.
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