Federal funding boost ‘falls short’ for SA hospitals
The Australian Medical Association has called on the federal government for a long-term solution within the public health system.
The South Australian arm of the Australian Medical Association (AMA SA) has welcomed a multi-million funding boost for the public health system, but not without calls for reform.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced South Australia is set to receive an additional $169 million, an increase of 15 per cent.
AMA SA President Dr John Williams said the one-off funding commitment falls short, as a 2024 report suggests South Australia’s emergency departments consistently perform well below the national average.
“Last year we witnessed record ambulance ramping and a code yellow which shut down essential planned surgery for weeks on end,” he said.
“There’s no doubt that an extra $169 million of Commonwealth funding will help, but we need a lasting solution if we’re going to tackle the big problems in our health system.
You might like
“We’re still digesting the details, but on the surface, this appears to be a missed opportunity for genuine reform.”
The boost to the South Australian public health system is part of a bigger funding commitment made by the Albanese government if successful at the upcoming federal election.
Nationwide, public hospitals and health services will receive $1.7 billion in extra funding, raising the federal government’s total funding across the states and territories to $33.91 billion in 2026.
This commitment will help reduce emergency room waiting times, manage ambulance ramping and cut waiting lists.
Stay informed, daily
“This matters to people, and this decision today will help save lives and lead to better outcomes for our nation’s hospitals,” he said.
Australia’s hospitals have been under increasing pressure as the population ages, people become more sick and the consequences from the Covid-19 pandemic continue to ripple through the system.
Without government intervention, the Commonwealth’s share of public hospital funding would only continue to drop.
“The existing arrangements… simply aren’t fit for purpose,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
“We have a terrific public hospital system in Australia, staffed by some of the best trained doctors, nurses and health professionals anywhere on the planet, but it is a hospital system under very, very serious pressure.
“This is a landmark deal between the states, the territories and the Commonwealth.”
With Australians to head to the ballot box before mid-May, the government used Wednesday’s announcement to remind voters of Labor’s record on health.
“Our priority is strengthening Medicare, not ensuring that every taxpayer pays for someone to get a free lunch or karaoke night or weekend away at the cost of low and middle income earners,” Albanese said in reference to the opposition’s tax-free lunch policy.
“Labor created Medicare and will protect it.”
The federal government has also tripled the bulk-billing incentive and delivered urgent care clinics across Australia.
