Media Release: 17 July 2010

Election 2010: time to think about health

The Australian Nursing Federation said health needed to be top priority for voters when they go to the polls on August 21.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the impending election today.

Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said this gave voters just over a month to think about the issues that mattered most to them.

“Health will always be a big priority for voters. Australians want a system that works so that if they or a loved one needs care that care is available,” Ms Thomas said.

“This includes timely access for elective surgery and emergency department patients, a robust preventive health system and care for all people when they need it, unhindered by their demographics.”

“We care for some of the most vulnerable and dependant citizens. Nurses and midwives understand the importance of timely and appropriate care and the suffering that is experienced when the health system does not function well."

Ms Thomas said all health policy must ensure nurses can do their job, working to their full scope of practice in order to benefit families and individuals.

“The incumbent government has already proven that it takes health seriously. The Health and Hospital reforms already undertaken by Labor demonstrate an understanding of the dire need for change and improvement. The ANF strongly believes that these reforms should continue.”

"The Because We Care campaign has been calling for urgent change to improve the aged care sector and this will remain an important issue for the ANF during the election campaign."

Media Contact
Eleni Hale, Media Advisor, 0458 892 999

 

The ANF, with 175,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia