WA Budget: More room for health expenditure

The Western Australia Government’s third budget has been delivered with a sense of triumph, as it announces the state’s first surplus in five years.
 
‘A real surplus, right here, right now,’ WA Premier Mark McGowan said.
 
The budget also delivered a significant commitment to public health, with $9.1 billion allocated for health service investment in 2019–20 and $6 billion dedicated to a health infrastructure program, reflecting a broader remit than last year’s largely hospital-focused health spend.
 
‘We have to be accountable in how money is spent across the health system, and ensure that the balance between hospital and non-hospital services is right,’ WA Health Minister Roger Cook said.  
 
Mental health is a key winner in the WA budget, with the promise of a record investment of $942.1 million. This money will fund mental health, alcohol and other drug services in 2019–20, and is expected to grow to more than $1 billion by 2022–23.
 
Initiatives to be funded by this mental health spend include expansion of the secure mental health unit at Fremantle Hospital, $914,000 for alcohol and other drug training for Aboriginal workers through the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Program, and $2.3 million towards rehabilitation facilities in the Kimberley region.  
 
Palliative care has also received a boost, with $41 million to be invested into an end-of-life choices and palliative care package across the state, including a 38-bed residential aged and palliative care facility in Carnarvon.
 
The Government will also inject $1.3 billion into the WA New Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, which is designed to help position the state as a centre for medical research innovation.
 
WA hospitals are still set to receive a significant portion of the funding, with an expected $6.7 billion allocated for hospital services in 2019–20. This includes redevelopment funding for two hospitals that missed out in the last budget – Royal Perth Hospital, which will receive $22.7 million for refurbishment of its intensive care unit, and the King Edward Memorial Hospital, which is apportioned $3.3 million to begin planning its relocation.

budget healthcare mental health palliative care Western Australia