by Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens
If you've tried to see a GP lately, booked a dental appointment, or visited Canberra Hospital, you've probably felt it: our health system is under serious strain. Canberrans are facing longer waits, rising costs, and a system that's often too focused on treating crises rather than preventing them.
Earlier this year, Labor introduced an unfair, flat health levy to plug funding gaps, making every Canberran homeowner pay $250 regardless of circumstances. After negotiations with the Greens, this was reduced to $100-but it still highlights a system stretched too thin and a government unwilling to think creatively about solutions. For many residents, any extra cost is unwelcome-especially when access to basic services like bulk-billed GP appointments or dental care remains limited.
Our team has been working hard to push for real solutions. We helped save the Burrungiri Aged Respite Centre, secured an independent inquiry into the performance of the health system, and sparked a much-needed conversation about how difficult it is for Canberrans to see a specialist on time. These steps may be small, but they are important moves toward a system that works for people, not just budgets.
The truth is, our health system is being asked to do more with less. Hospitals and emergency care continue to receive most of the funding, while preventative services that keep people healthy and out of hospital remain underfunded. Mental health services, like the Safe Haven at Canberra Hospital, face delays in opening additional centres. Dental services still have long waitlists and high copayments, making access difficult for everyday Canberrans.
Access to bulk-billed GP appointments has become a real struggle. Incentives have been introduced to encourage clinics to bulk bill more patients, but so far, these have not led to meaningful change. Many Canberrans are still paying out-of-pocket for care that should be free, accessible, and universal.
That's why we've called for an independent inquiry to better understand the pressures on our health system and how to make it work for people. We want to see a shift in focus-from reactive emergency care to proactive, preventative care that helps people stay healthy and out of crisis.
Canberra deserves a health system that truly cares for its people. That means making access to GPs, mental health support, and dental care affordable and timely. It means tackling the root causes of demand, rather than just raising levies to patch budget gaps. The health of our city depends on it, and it's time for bold action to ensure Canberrans get the care they need, when they need it.
