AMA(SA) 2018 State Election update: Liberal Policies released

On  Sunday 4 February 2018, the SA Liberal Party launched its 2018 state election campaign, with its 'Strong Plan for Real Change'. Liberal leader Steven Marshall described it as 'not just a collection of policies; it’s a series of achievable milestones that have been crafted for the long-term benefit of our state". The theme was "more jobs, lower costs and better services', as the media release states here.

The policy set seems to offer more for health than last election, which can only be a good thing. But what exactly is on the table?

For the convenience of AMA(SA) members, and others with an interest and concern on health matters, the Liberal Party's health-related policies - and some with a health angle - are collated below.

We will also be reporting on the health announcements of other parties, and responses to the AMA(SA)'s pre-election policy platform - our Election Priorities 2018: A People-First Health Strategy for South Australia. 

For now though, here is a quick overview of what the 'Strong Plan' offers, health-wise. AMA(SA) members' feedback is welcome.

HEALTH POLICIES

• Re-opening the Repat 
• More Cardiac Services at QEH
• $110 million for Modbury Hospital 
• Investing in Regional and Country Hospitals
• Supporting Veterans and their Families
• Stopping Abuse of Prescription Drugs
• Excellence and Inovation in Health
• Bowel Cancer Prevention
• Targeted Preventative Health
• Rural Workforce Strategy
• Building a New Women's and Children's Hospital
• Aquatic Safety for Young Children
• Limit the Number of Drug Diversions
• Allowing Parents Greater Control Over their Child's Drug Treatment 
• Stop the Scourge of Drugs in Our Schools
• Improve Services for Paediatric Eating Disorders
• Borderline Personality Disorder - fighting Stigma and Taking Action
• Better Prevention for a Healthy South Australia
• Better Information on Hospital Outpatient Waiting Lists
• Renal Dialysis on the APY Lands
• Renal Dialysis Unit in the South East
• Investing in Our Country Hospitals
• Engage Communities and Clinicians for Better Health
• Expanding country cancer services

POLICIES WITH A HEALTH ANGLE

Titles are based on Liberal Policy document descriptions.

• Registration of Social Workers
• Stopping Bullying
• Investing in Aged Care
• Protect Journalists and their Sources
• Transparency for Major Contracts
• Public ICAC Meetings
• Zero Tolerance for Drugs in Prisons
• Keeping Penalties in Line with Community Expectations
• Domestic Violence - Personal Protection App
• Better Recruitment of Child Protection Workers
• Protect Children from Forced Marriages
• Compensation for Child Sexual Abuse Victims
• Appoint an Aboriginal Children's Commissioner
• Stability in Foster Care
• Drug Addiction Rehabilitation in the Riverland
• Create Jobs and Unlock New Economic Activity in Regions 
• Dedicated Fund for Regional Infrastructure 
• Fixing Speed Limits on Country Roads
• A More Productive Government 
• Running an Efficient and Accountable Government

Published 5 February 2018. Updated 23 February 2018.