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Budget offers hope in key areas for health
AMA Victoria President, Dr Sam Lees, has acknowledged progress made in today’s state budget, but said that Mental Health remained an area consistently and disappointingly overlooked by the Victorian Government.
"AMA Victoria made a pre-budget submission to the Government highlighting issues which needed increased attention, including Mental Health, Casemix Funding, the Medical Workforce and the interface between the State and Commonwealth.”
”It is encouraging to see this Government listening to the professionals working at the coalface as illustrated by a positive commitment to emergency departments and acute health”
“Small rural hospitals also appear to have received a boost from the State budget.”
Dr Lees a said despite the positive aspects of the budget, mental health was still a major issue.
“Serious problems still exist around Mental Health and today’s budget will not effectively address these issues at all.
“We are saddened to see that once again the Bracks Government seems to have turned its back on the critical area of mental health, proving we are yet to find a government that is willing to spend what the public expects on health care.”
“We all know health is an area in need of constant attention. There can be no compromises or half measures.”
"One need only read the papers to identify accessible and affordable healthcare as a top priority for most Victorians and it refreshing that the State Government has taken this onboard when developing the 2004/2005 budget.”
Dr Lees was quick to point out that whilst the budget was a step in the right direction, it was important for the State Government to not become complacent and to continue to invest in the health system.
“Although we welcome today’s announcements, we will continue to lobby for change and support and provide independent advice to all political parties to ensure that citizens of Victoria get the quality healthcare they deserve” said Dr Lees
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