Labor health funding would help hospitals in Canberra


Released 11/05/2018

Federal Labor’s pledge to restore funding for hospitals would give a big boost to the health of the Canberra community and help take pressure of our emergency departments and wait lists.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris said the funding would mean more beds, doctors and nurses and help the ACT in its strategy to improve wait times and keep our community healthy.

“It’s clear there is a lot of pressure on health systems in all jurisdictions at the moment. Demand on our health system is growing each year, and over the last three years we have seen a 23 per cent increase in the number of people presenting to the Emergency Department at Canberra Hospital.

“This is due to a number of factors, including the freeze on Medicare that continues to have a devastating effect and means more people are putting off going to the doctor and instead waiting until they are even sicker before presenting at Emergency.

“The reality is, the ACT is still recovering from Tony Abbott’s 2014 Budget that cut millions from our hospitals and health system.”

Minister Fitzharris said while the ACT has signed up to a new health agreement from the five years from 2019‑20, it is clear that under a future Labor Federal Government, the ACT would be able to get a better deal.

“Everyone concerned about healthcare in the ACT should vote for Labor and Bill Shorten at the next federal election, because it’s clear they will put much more money into our health system and help us deliver better healthcare for Canberrans.”

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Claire Johnston

(02) 6205 0022

0452 597 459

clairev.johnston@act.gov.au


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases