Summary
Date: 7 Oct 2020
The Federal Budget 2020–21 is heavily focused on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of economic stimulus and job creation.
Consequently, many of the key announcements in the 2020–21 budget represent a direct response to the immediate health issues facing Australia.
Health measures in this year’s budget cover a number of areas including:
- mental health support and suicide prevention
- the extension of telehealth
- GP-led respiratory clinics
- pathology testing
- additional support for the aged care sector.
While these announcements are welcomed and essential to tackle current issues, it is vital that the government now focus on prioritising reforms to primary care that will ensure the long-term health of all Australians, and work to future-proof the system against health crises.