Federal Budget feels like Groundhog Day for allied health

Allied Health Professions Australia today expressed its disbelief that the second largest health workforce was once again ignored by the Albanese Government with no substantive measures announced in last night’s Budget. 

AHPA Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said the glaring omission of the allied health sector is disappointing given this Government’s initially ambitious health reform agenda. 

“Last night’s budget is a return to the old-school thinking of single-discipline models of care. After three years of talk, the Government is still only funding doctors and nurses,” said Ms Morris-Donovan. 

“While we welcome significant investment into Medicare and measures to grow the GP and nursing workforce, we question the single focus approach. We know that consumers with the most complex health needs benefit from wraparound multidisciplinary team care. There is nothing more disenabling to service innovation than incentivising only one member of the care team. 

“Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows that 61% of the population live with at least one chronic condition. In a cost of living crisis, access to affordable primary allied health care is critical. Better utilisation and integration of allied health into primary care would ultimately improve access and outcomes for Australian’s living with chronic conditions.  

“AHPA is further disappointed by the absence of expansion of the prac payments, especially when more than half of the allied health sector is in national workforce shortage, including medical radiation practitioners, optometrists and podiatrists. This Budget provides no support for allied health workforce initiatives and the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy remains unfunded. 

“We remain committed to working with the Albanese Government but our 300,000 strong workforce and Australian consumers deserve better.” 

Ends.

Media contact: communications@ahpa.com.au