Health Policy Summary

Addressing the crisis in public health

The Greens are committed to redressing the poor state of health of many groups within the community. Mentally ill people are discharged prematurely without adequate provision for care and housing. Inadequate resources are allocated for the care of people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise. The levels of health of Australia's
Indigenous populations are still deplorable.

Early discharge of seriously ill patients and long waiting lists are a direct result of chronic underfunding and staff shortages. Swift access to emergency services is virtually unavailable to critically injured people in outer metropolitan and rural areas.

Improved funding for health care is essential. The Greens' platform emphasises preventative health care, government funding for dental care, affordability and access, and training more health practitioners.

The health impacts of social issues such as poverty, housing, workplace conditions, access to public transport and the boredom of unemployment must be recognised.

Illnesses caused or aggravated by air, noise and water pollution must be countered with determined and vigorous Government action to address the environmental causes.

The Greens call for:

• reducing emergency department and out patient waiting times;
• increased funding for basic health promotion and disease prevention;
• increased funding for mental health services to satisfy acute and community care needs;
• expansion of community health centres;
• Implementing a Charter of Patient Rights;
• access to dental health care for all;
• addressing the appalling health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
• providing adequate detoxification and treatment for people with substance dependencies;
• supporting maternity and birthing services and ensure all women have access to adequate personal income, leave, rest and social support during maternity and parenting;
• training more medical practitioners and providing support for health professionals in rural and remote areas;
• banning transfats and enforcing accurate and comprehensive food labelling; and
• reforming the state/federal funding model which leads to cost shifting and buck passing.