Health reform can’t wait

Elections are about choices.  The type of health system we want is one of those crucial decisions.

In an ideal world, something as important as health care would be above party politics.  But it isn’t.

In this election, all political parties cannot afford to give scant regard to the health care of the Australian population.

Labor has embarked on a reform agenda and the AMA has supported the current Government’s intention to reform the health system.  But we need much more detail before we can understand how the changes so far announced will result in much-needed changes in our hospitals and in our surgeries. The other parties have yet to reveal their health platforms. 

In this document, the AMA has detailed wide-ranging policies that build on what works and attempts to fix what doesn't.

Doctors are at the coalface of the system and constantly see the impacts of government decisions.   Doctors know how to make the system work best for patients.  The AMA's policies give voice to what works best for patients.

It is crucial that all the political parties demonstrate that they are listening to the people – the voters at this election.  Health policies that do not reflect consultation with the medical profession will not work.

The AMA will be analysing the policy announcements by the political parties and testing them against the policy directions set out in our Key Health Issues document.  We will also examine how they comply with the principles of good health policy and criteria for successful health reform set out in the front of this document.

In the interests of open debate, the AMA will also be managing an AMA 2010 Federal Election website that will provide up-to-date health and political news during the campaign.  Doctors will be encouraged to express their views about policy announcements - and the AMA will provide regular responses to action in the campaign.

Ultimately, the community decides which party will form the next Government.  

The AMA urges all political parties to be open and honest with the community about how they plan to manage the future health care of the nation.  

The system needs fixing.  Health reform can’t wait.

Dr Andrew Pesce
President