Overview
Health services remain a central pillar of the State Budget, with a $1.4 billion boost for health and mental health spending. Specific initiatives include:
- $828.9 million over 2024-25 and 2025-26 on hospital services
- An additional $18.5 million to increase the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) fuel subsidy rate from $0.26 per kilometre to $0.40 per kilometre, and
- $60.5 million to expand the WA Virtual ED (WAVED) initiative.
The Budget provides investment in community services as the cost-of-living crisis continues to be felt across the State. Funding commitments include:
- $10.4 million to expand metro homelessness assertive outreach services
- $3.1 million to expand the Housing First Support Service in Bunbury and surrounding suburbs
- $33 million to address Family and Domestic Violence, and
- $10 million to expand early intervention and diversion programs for young people.
WALGA Comment
WALGA supports the significant increase and expansion of the PATS subsidy rate in recognition of the increased costs rural and remote community members face when accessing specialist health treatment.
WALGA acknowledges the innovative approach to addressing regional access to health services through the WA Virtual ED program. While innovation and diversity of care responses are required, this must be considered alongside the systematic failures of the primary health system to attract and sustain a workforce regardless of location.
No additional funding has been allocated for the 232 Local Government public libraries across the State. This is despite extensive advocacy from WALGA for sustainable funding for public libraries to maintain and enhance service levels that meet the diverse needs of communities and support the implementation of the WA Public Library Strategy 2022-2026.
WALGA estimates that at least $30 million over four years is required to ensure the ongoing sustainability of library services to meet increasing costs, the shift to digital services and the growing and diverse needs of our communities.
