Our healthcare system is about more than just hospitals. Every $1 spent on primary care (like GPs, practice nurses and midwives) can save upwards of $13 in wider health system costs.
It's the same story for prevention and public health initiatives — stopping people from getting sick or hurt today saves us money tomorrow. The challenge is that realising those savings takes sustained effort and a long-term perspective.
To make sure we look after those who need it, and keep a focus on nurturing our long-term health (saving billions in the process), Opportunity will:
- Develop a process for cross-party planning on a ten year timeframe for the health system.
- Launch 'spend-to-save' primary and prevention initiatives, including digital health and AI tools.
- Fund core health services properly, including ambulances, GPs and health infrastructure.
- Increase pay and improve conditions for health sector workers and increase training placements and quality to ensure we have the workforce we need.
- Reinstate smokefree 2050 legislation.
Interested to see the detailed policy at launch? Sign-up for Opportunity news and updates.
