Does the Minister think the health system is predominantly reactive, hospital-centred, and crisis-driven; if so, does he think this must be addressed alongside poverty and social determinants of health in order to deliver equity?

Answer

My focus is building a healthcare system that has patients at its centre. A patient centred system requires responding earlier to people’s needs, supporting access to care before conditions escalate, and ensuring services are designed to provide timely and effective care outside hospital settings. As the Member will be aware, I have introduced a new national health target to reduce wait times for primary care. Additionally, I have established the Primary Care Tactical Action Plan, which will implement over $640 million in primary and community care investment to improve access, expand community-based services, ensure continuity of care, and strengthen coordination across the system. The Plan includes actions and initiatives that are intended to reduce pressure on hospitals by reducing wait times in primary and community settings.