Australia ranks fifth in the world for life expectancy1 and we’re living longer than ever before. However, there are constant pressures on the health budget and a number of health concerns in the population. How can we continue to improve our health in Warringah and across Australia?
Australia works hard to maintain a strong health systemI believe that our health system should:
- recognise that ‘health’ means mental, social and physical health, and
- provide quality health care for all Australians.
- a focus on prevention as much as cure
- both public and private systems
- excellent health facilities and services
- a skilled health workforce, and
- a strong medical research ecosystem.
But we face some serious long-term health issues
- Forty-five per cent of Australians aged 16-85 will experience a mental illness2
- Delayed access to home care for our elderly and substandard care in many aged care facilities
- Half of our population living with a chronic condition, many linked to lifestyle factors3
- Indigenous Australians have poorer health than the rest of the community
- Implementation problems with the NDIS are undermining support for many people with a disability
- Family, domestic and sexual violence is the biggest threat to women aged 25-444
Therefore, we need clear long-term strategies for these issues, based on clinical evidence
- Increased support for community-led mental health services
- Flexible funding options for home care and more accountability and resources in aged care facilities
- Strategies that encourage and support better lifestyle habits to prevent chronic conditions
- Greater community ownership of indigenous health strategies
- Continued improvement of the NDIS, including implementing the recommendations of the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s Report5
- Increased support for community-led family and domestic violence services and prevention strategies