❓ Question on Notice regarding the Cook Labor government's plans to improve healthcare access in Western Australia, referencing the 2026-27 state budget. The Premier's response highlights increased funding and initiatives to address growing demands.
⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 273Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
State budget 2026–27—Health273.Ms Caitlin Collinsto thePremier:I refer to
the Cook Labor government's commitment to ensuring that Western Australians can
access the care they need when they need it.Can the
Premier please outline to the house how the Cook Labor government is boosting
access to health care for all Western Australians?Mr Roger Cook replied:I thank
the member for the question because one of our key priorities that was
prominent in the budget was ensuring that Western Australians get the health
care they need when they need it. Of course, this is a challenge in a state the
size of WA, which has the fastest growing population in the nation, with an
increasing ageing population and an increasing patient complexity. There is no
denying that the combination of these factors is putting pressure on our health
system.Last year
was one of the busiest on record for our system, with almost 1.2 million emergency
department visits and more than 700,000 hospital admissions. At the same time, as
the Minister for Health pointed out yesterday, we broke the weekly record for
elective surgeries 10 times over the last 18 months. We had one of
the worst flu seasons on record last year. Our vaccination rates are lower than
we would like, but my government remains determined to ensure our system can
continue to meet the demands of the people of Western Australia, and because of
our strong financial management, that is exactly what we are doing.Through
this year's budget, we are providing a record $9.1 billion to boost
health. It is more than just a record investment. It means increasing our bed
capacity by building a hospital or buying and redeveloping hospitals both here
in Perth and across our regions. When you need it most, there is a bed for you.
It means that we can boost our health workforce. When you need it most, there
are more doctors and nurses to care for you and your loved ones than ever
before. It means boosting access to care in the community so that when you need
it most, it is quicker and easier for you to get the care you need closer to
home. The member for Mount Lawley could probably do with some health care at
the moment! I hope you are all right, member for Mount Lawley.Mr
Speaker, it means strengthening aged care. When you need it most, you can get
the right care and support for yourself and your family over time. It means
enhancing immunisation access. When our health system needs it most this
winter, people can protect themselves and their families. Investing in every
facet of health will not only improve and secure our system for the future, but
also make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people of Western
Australia who interact with our health system every day. Our government remains
committed to ensuring Western Australians get the care they need when they need
it. That is what this budget delivers—improved access to our health system
today, tomorrow and into the future.VisitorsThe Speaker:Member for Geraldton, before I give you
the call, on behalf of the member for Bassendean, I welcome the principals from
Ashfield Primary School, Bassendean Primary School and Governor Stirling Senior
High School to the gallery today.
State budget 2026–27—Health
273.Ms Caitlin Collinsto thePremier:
I refer to
the Cook Labor government's commitment to ensuring that Western Australians can
access the care they need when they need it.
Can the
Premier please outline to the house how the Cook Labor government is boosting
access to health care for all Western Australians?
Mr Roger Cook replied:
I thank
the member for the question because one of our key priorities that was
prominent in the budget was ensuring that Western Australians get the health
care they need when they need it. Of course, this is a challenge in a state the
size of WA, which has the fastest growing population in the nation, with an
increasing ageing population and an increasing patient complexity. There is no
denying that the combination of these factors is putting pressure on our health
system.
Last year
was one of the busiest on record for our system, with almost 1.2 million emergency
department visits and more than 700,000 hospital admissions. At the same time, as
the Minister for Health pointed out yesterday, we broke the weekly record for
elective surgeries 10 times over the last 18 months. We had one of
the worst flu seasons on record last year. Our vaccination rates are lower than
we would like, but my government remains determined to ensure our system can
continue to meet the demands of the people of Western Australia, and because of
our strong financial management, that is exactly what we are doing.
Through
this year's budget, we are providing a record $9.1 billion to boost
health. It is more than just a record investment. It means increasing our bed
capacity by building a hospital or buying and redeveloping hospitals both here
in Perth and across our regions. When you need it most, there is a bed for you.
It means that we can boost our health workforce. When you need it most, there
are more doctors and nurses to care for you and your loved ones than ever
before. It means boosting access to care in the community so that when you need
it most, it is quicker and easier for you to get the care you need closer to
home. The member for Mount Lawley could probably do with some health care at
the moment! I hope you are all right, member for Mount Lawley.
Mr
Speaker, it means strengthening aged care. When you need it most, you can get
the right care and support for yourself and your family over time. It means
enhancing immunisation access. When our health system needs it most this
winter, people can protect themselves and their families. Investing in every
facet of health will not only improve and secure our system for the future, but
also make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people of Western
Australia who interact with our health system every day. Our government remains
committed to ensuring Western Australians get the care they need when they need
it. That is what this budget delivers—improved access to our health system
today, tomorrow and into the future.
Visitors
The Speaker:Member for Geraldton, before I give you
the call, on behalf of the member for Bassendean, I welcome the principals from
Ashfield Primary School, Bassendean Primary School and Governor Stirling Senior
High School to the gallery today.
the Cook Labor government's commitment to ensuring that Western Australians can
access the care they need when they need it.Can the
Premier please outline to the house how the Cook Labor government is boosting
access to health care for all Western Australians?Mr Roger Cook replied:I thank
the member for the question because one of our key priorities that was
prominent in the budget was ensuring that Western Australians get the health
care they need when they need it. Of course, this is a challenge in a state the
size of WA, which has the fastest growing population in the nation, with an
increasing ageing population and an increasing patient complexity. There is no
denying that the combination of these factors is putting pressure on our health
system.Last year
was one of the busiest on record for our system, with almost 1.2 million emergency
department visits and more than 700,000 hospital admissions. At the same time, as
the Minister for Health pointed out yesterday, we broke the weekly record for
elective surgeries 10 times over the last 18 months. We had one of
the worst flu seasons on record last year. Our vaccination rates are lower than
we would like, but my government remains determined to ensure our system can
continue to meet the demands of the people of Western Australia, and because of
our strong financial management, that is exactly what we are doing.Through
this year's budget, we are providing a record $9.1 billion to boost
health. It is more than just a record investment. It means increasing our bed
capacity by building a hospital or buying and redeveloping hospitals both here
in Perth and across our regions. When you need it most, there is a bed for you.
It means that we can boost our health workforce. When you need it most, there
are more doctors and nurses to care for you and your loved ones than ever
before. It means boosting access to care in the community so that when you need
it most, it is quicker and easier for you to get the care you need closer to
home. The member for Mount Lawley could probably do with some health care at
the moment! I hope you are all right, member for Mount Lawley.Mr
Speaker, it means strengthening aged care. When you need it most, you can get
the right care and support for yourself and your family over time. It means
enhancing immunisation access. When our health system needs it most this
winter, people can protect themselves and their families. Investing in every
facet of health will not only improve and secure our system for the future, but
also make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people of Western
Australia who interact with our health system every day. Our government remains
committed to ensuring Western Australians get the care they need when they need
it. That is what this budget delivers—improved access to our health system
today, tomorrow and into the future.VisitorsThe Speaker:Member for Geraldton, before I give you
the call, on behalf of the member for Bassendean, I welcome the principals from
Ashfield Primary School, Bassendean Primary School and Governor Stirling Senior
High School to the gallery today.
State budget 2026–27—Health
273.Ms Caitlin Collinsto thePremier:
I refer to
the Cook Labor government's commitment to ensuring that Western Australians can
access the care they need when they need it.
Can the
Premier please outline to the house how the Cook Labor government is boosting
access to health care for all Western Australians?
Mr Roger Cook replied:
I thank
the member for the question because one of our key priorities that was
prominent in the budget was ensuring that Western Australians get the health
care they need when they need it. Of course, this is a challenge in a state the
size of WA, which has the fastest growing population in the nation, with an
increasing ageing population and an increasing patient complexity. There is no
denying that the combination of these factors is putting pressure on our health
system.
Last year
was one of the busiest on record for our system, with almost 1.2 million emergency
department visits and more than 700,000 hospital admissions. At the same time, as
the Minister for Health pointed out yesterday, we broke the weekly record for
elective surgeries 10 times over the last 18 months. We had one of
the worst flu seasons on record last year. Our vaccination rates are lower than
we would like, but my government remains determined to ensure our system can
continue to meet the demands of the people of Western Australia, and because of
our strong financial management, that is exactly what we are doing.
Through
this year's budget, we are providing a record $9.1 billion to boost
health. It is more than just a record investment. It means increasing our bed
capacity by building a hospital or buying and redeveloping hospitals both here
in Perth and across our regions. When you need it most, there is a bed for you.
It means that we can boost our health workforce. When you need it most, there
are more doctors and nurses to care for you and your loved ones than ever
before. It means boosting access to care in the community so that when you need
it most, it is quicker and easier for you to get the care you need closer to
home. The member for Mount Lawley could probably do with some health care at
the moment! I hope you are all right, member for Mount Lawley.
Mr
Speaker, it means strengthening aged care. When you need it most, you can get
the right care and support for yourself and your family over time. It means
enhancing immunisation access. When our health system needs it most this
winter, people can protect themselves and their families. Investing in every
facet of health will not only improve and secure our system for the future, but
also make a meaningful difference to the lives of the people of Western
Australia who interact with our health system every day. Our government remains
committed to ensuring Western Australians get the care they need when they need
it. That is what this budget delivers—improved access to our health system
today, tomorrow and into the future.
Visitors
The Speaker:Member for Geraldton, before I give you
the call, on behalf of the member for Bassendean, I welcome the principals from
Ashfield Primary School, Bassendean Primary School and Governor Stirling Senior
High School to the gallery today.
AnswerView source ↗
⏳
This question is awaiting a response from the Minister.
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