❓ The Minister for Health provides an update on initiatives to boost the healthcare workforce, highlighting increased funding, infrastructure development, and staffing numbers since 2021. The response defends the government's record against criticisms from the opposition.

Healthcare workforce92.Ms Emily Hamiltonto theMinister for Health:I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to investing in the Western Australian health workforce.Can the minister update the house on the initiatives being implemented to boost staffing numbers and ensure better outcomes for Western Australians?

Ms Meredith Hammat replied:I thank the member for the question. We are investing record amounts in health. Since 2021, we have invested $14.3 billion in additional funding to health. We are very proud of our achievements in this area. Through this investment, we have been able to deliver more beds—over 900 since 2021. We are delivering new infrastructure, such as building the women's and babies' hospital and redeveloping Royal Perth Hospital and the hospitals in Geraldton and Bunbury in our regions, to name a few. We are also delivering more staff in our health system.The people of Western Australia know that only Labor governments will boost and support our health workforce. I am very glad to update the chamber today that since 2021, we have added almost 5,100 nurses and over 2,000 doctors.Ms Libby Mettaminterjected.The Speaker:Member for Vasse, if you would like to ask a question, please stand up at the next opportunity. In the meantime, please do not interject.Ms Meredith Hammat:That is growth of 36% since 2021. This year so far we have welcomed over 1,500 doctors and nurses into our health system. These staff are critical to supporting our community. It is about not just adding staff, but also supporting them. That is what Labor governments do.I also want to update the house today that as of this week we have rolled out the next phase of nurse-to-patient ratios. Nurses in critical and intensive care areas will now be supported with clear and safe workloads through ratios. This means they can continue to deliver safe high-quality care to patients.Members know that those opposite are quick to criticise. We know what those opposite did the last time they were in charge.Several members interjected.Ms Meredith Hammat:They're getting agitated, aren't they? They are very sensitive.The Speaker:Members!Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members!Mr Shane Loveinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Mid-West.Ms Meredith Hammat:Their record in government was one of cutting staff with over 1,000 positions cut from WA Health—Ms Libby Mettaminterjected.The Speaker:Member for Vasse, I am calling you for the second time.Mr Lachlan Hunterinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Central Wheatbelt, I am calling you for the second time.Ms Meredith Hammat:—including frontline clinical staff. That is their record. We also know that members opposite do not change their spots. If we had any doubt about that, many members might have seen earlier this month the member for Cottesloe in the media and on social media criticising the government for workforce growth in the public sector. She said—I think this is important:A major expansion of the public sector workforce during a time of acute worker shortages says it all: this government is focused on delivering its own priorities …That is right, member—we are; we are absolutely focused on delivering our priorities!Mr Roger Cook:Imagine that!Ms Meredith Hammat:Imagine that—a government that says its priorities are health, housing and jobs has employed more nurses and doctors in our health system, increasing our clinical workforce by 36%! We make no apology for increasing our health workforce by 36%. That is what Labor governments do. When in government, the Liberals and Nationals do not change because they do not believe in a strong public service; they never have and they never will. The people of WA know that Labor governments support our staff and health workforce. Healthcare workforce