During the 2022 electoral campaign, the College publicly supported Labor's health promises, including investments into Medicare, aged care and the NDIS, and solutions for the healthcare workforce crisis.
When delivered, these pledges should ensure improvements to overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) and contribute towards workforce sustainability, and ACEM will hold Mr Albanese accountable for the prompt and collaborative delivery of these investments and policies.
The College reiterates that emergency doctors, who are at the frontline of the health system, have significant expertise and insight and should be consulted on any proposed solutions to issues related to the public health system.
ACEM will be reaching out privately to Mr Albanese and the incoming health minister, when appointed, to discuss these matters further.
ACEM President Dr Clare Skinner said, "Australia's emergency doctors congratulate Mr Albanese on becoming the 31st prime minister of Australia."
"The Labor party listened to Australia's struggling healthcare workers, and to Australians who were demanding a better, safer health system, and they put health firmly at the top of their electoral agenda. Voters paid attention, and they voted like their health depended on it – because it did."
During the campaign period, the College vocally advocated for genuine health leadership to address the health system emergency effecting emergency EDs and health systems across Australia.
Dr Skinner said, "Mr Albanese and his team now have the opportunity to demonstrate the vision, collaboration and capacity needed to bring all parts of healthcare together to reimagine and deliver a better, more equitable system."
The electorate also sent a clear message of the importance of action on climate change. ACEM and other medical colleges have declared climate change to be the biggest threat to global health systems and taking firm action on climate change must be foremost in the new government's plans.
Dr Skinner said, "Australia's emergency doctors stand ready to work with Mr Albanese, and the incoming Australian government, to make sure all Australians get the healthcare they need, when and where they need it."
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
