Federal Health Minister Mark Butler is heading into negotiations with state leaders on Friday, pushing to secure over $20 billion in extra funding for public hospitals amidst worsening aged care shortages. The stalemate comes as Australia's elderly face crippling wait times for assessments – some waiting up to 53 days – while doctors tell patients that hospital admission is the only way to expedite a referral.
The crisis has sparked outrage from advocacy groups, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) CEO Craig Gear warning that reduced wait times in hospitals are out of reach and that the system is "broken from top to bottom." OPAN wants a turnaround time for assessments of just three to four weeks, so people don't need to be rushed into hospital.
On the table is a revised deal worth more than $20 billion, with federal funding increasing to 42.5% by 2030 and 45% by 2035. The offer includes an initial $17 billion package, with add-ons to address patients stuck in public hospitals.
However, state leaders have been lukewarm on the proposal, with Queensland's health minister dismissing it as insufficient. The Greens' spokesperson for older people has warned that Labor's aged care reforms are "broken," and that Australians deserve better than months-long wait times for assessments and years-long access to care.
A resolution before Christmas remains possible, but federal Health Minister Mark Butler has hinted at the prospect of other options if negotiations fall through. With a national cabinet meeting potentially looming next week, time is running out for a solution to Australia's worsening healthcare crisis – one that affects not just hospitals, but the very lives of its most vulnerable citizens.
The crisis has sparked outrage from advocacy groups, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) CEO Craig Gear warning that reduced wait times in hospitals are out of reach and that the system is "broken from top to bottom." OPAN wants a turnaround time for assessments of just three to four weeks, so people don't need to be rushed into hospital.
On the table is a revised deal worth more than $20 billion, with federal funding increasing to 42.5% by 2030 and 45% by 2035. The offer includes an initial $17 billion package, with add-ons to address patients stuck in public hospitals.
However, state leaders have been lukewarm on the proposal, with Queensland's health minister dismissing it as insufficient. The Greens' spokesperson for older people has warned that Labor's aged care reforms are "broken," and that Australians deserve better than months-long wait times for assessments and years-long access to care.
A resolution before Christmas remains possible, but federal Health Minister Mark Butler has hinted at the prospect of other options if negotiations fall through. With a national cabinet meeting potentially looming next week, time is running out for a solution to Australia's worsening healthcare crisis – one that affects not just hospitals, but the very lives of its most vulnerable citizens.
$20 billion sounds like a lot, but what's the deal with these 53-day wait times? 
It's not like we're talking about a few days here. I mean, can't they just sort out these assessments faster or something? 
The fact that doctors are saying hospital admission is the only way to speed things up is kinda crazy. And what's with the Greens saying the plan is "broken"? Can't we just find some middle ground here? 
Maybe if everyone just talks and listens, we can get this sorted before Christmas, right? 
. Australia's elderly population is getting older and more complex to care for, so maybe the government needs to step up their game 
. OPAN's idea of 3-4 week turnaround time for assessments might be a bit ambitious, but they're right that rushing people into hospitals isn't the answer 
. The fact that state leaders are being lukewarm on the proposal is just, like, basic math – if you want more funding, you gotta be willing to commit to it 
. The Greens' concerns about the reforms being "broken" don't surprise me either... I think there's a reason they're always so critical of the government 
. Either way, we need a solution ASAP for our aging population 
.
Australia's elderly are literally stuck in the hospital waiting room! 
53 days?! 
That's like having a birthday party that never ends 
. We need to fix this ASAP 
, or people will be crying on the streets (no joke 
). Federal Health Minister Mark Butler is trying his best 
but state leaders are being super chill 
. Let's get some $$$ 
(OPAN CEO Craig Gear is spot on 
). We need to create a system where people don't have to rush into hospital 
, or I'll be soooo disappointed 
. 
We need to make healthcare better for Australia! 
And what really gets me is that doctors are saying hospital admission is the only way to get a referral, which is just not sustainable or safe for patients 
.
. $20 billion sounds like a lot, but considering how long these wait times have been going on and how much it's affecting people's lives, I think it's about time 
.
. But if we don't, I worry that things will only get worse for vulnerable Australians 
.
The stats on this are wild - since 2019, aged care waiting lists have increased by over 50%, with a record-high of over 200,000 Aussies on the list 
. And we're talkin' about people who need help, not just any ol' person 
.
, while state governments are gettin' stuck on how to fund the system 
.
. That's a whole lotta people gettin' anxious about their health