Page 2756 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 13 August 2019
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This budget also focuses on supporting better health care for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans. Funding has been allocated to conduct a scoping study to consider the ACT government LGBTIQ strategy and the implications this will have for health services in the ACT. This is an important commitment to ensure that our hospitals and health services in the ACT are accessible for LGBTIQ+ Canberrans and can provide quality care when needed.
The 2019-20 ACT budget is building for the future. I am pleased to support the record investment in health on behalf of my constituents in Gungahlin and Belconnen.
MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra) (11.54): Our health and the health of our families is so important. When you or a loved one are injured or fall sick, it is not just about feeling physically or mentally unwell; it can be isolating, it can be scary, it can be exhausting and of course it can be expensive. That is exactly why this government is committed to funding high quality and free public health care to meet the needs of our growing city.
We are investing in the infrastructure we need to deliver world-class health care at every level across Canberra. From community-based centres treating minor illnesses to the state-of-the-art hospitals delivering specialist care for complex health issues, we are building and we are expanding the facilities that keep us healthy. Importantly, we are investing in our healthcare workers. We know that our doctors, our nurses and our allied healthcare workers are the backbone of our health system. It is their incredible skill, dedication and passion that makes the system successful.
These are not just hollow words. As we have heard from other members on this side today, this year the government is devoting almost one-third of the budget to strengthening our health system so that it can meet the demands of our city now and into the future. In fact, with the investment in SPIRE, Calvary Public Hospital, and new community health centres, this budget equates to the single largest program of health infrastructure delivery since self-government.
This is especially good news for Ginninderra, with Calvary Public Hospital set to enjoy almost $22 million over the next four years. Of this, $12 million will fund more surgical theatres, allowing 250 more surgeries each year. That means more elective surgeries and shorter wait times. Waiting for elective surgery can be frustrating and make day-to-day living more difficult. This investment will make a real difference to the quality of life for hundreds of people each year.
While last year’s budget funded the expansion of Calvary’s emergency department, this year’s provides for more staff for when that expansion is complete. That means more doctors and nurses ready to admit, treat and care for Canberrans. But we cannot just rely on our hospitals. Nurse-led walk-in centres complement and, where appropriate, help shoulder some of the load from our emergency departments by providing free care for minor injuries and illnesses.
I personally have always received quick and professional service at the Belconnen walk-in centre. As we heard in the last sitting week, there are many amazing
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