Ahead of the federal election on May 21, Australian Community Media (ACM) is asking candidates in the Gilmore electorate questions on the issues that readers have identified as the most important to them.
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One of these issues is health.
The questions put to the candidates were:
- What steps will you take to ensure the region bounces back from the pandemic?
- How will you address healthcare pressures for residents?
You can read the candidates' responses below.
The pandemic has been challenging with mental health for many reasons, whether it be lockdowns, or financial hardship on businesses and families.
The federal government has invested in communities to assist in getting us out the other side of the pandemic.
The government has provided support and services to help get our communities back to a sense of normality, while also keeping small businesses who have suffered during the pandemic alive.
Pressure on the health care system has also been lessened due to the high intake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Due to the high percentage of vaccinated individuals, we are seeing fewer COVID cases in hospitals, lowering the pressure our health professionals would be under.
Did not respond.
Did not respond.
Our region did it tough during the pandemic. We had businesses shut up shop and our major industries like tourism and retail were devastated by the economic downturn. We have to build back stronger after this pandemic.
The pandemic highlighted two areas in particular where our health system could not cope with the pressure of the pandemic.
Firstly, our aged care homes were at breaking point as a result of the pressures on the system from the pandemic. The Aged Care Royal Commission highlighted the failures of nine years of Liberal Government in this sector. Along with Anthony Albanese, I'm determined to put nurses back in nursing homes. Our Aged Care policy will ensure there is a Registered Nurse in nursing homes 24/7.
Secondly, families in our region are waiting too long to see a GP. We have families that are forced to wait weeks to just to see their local doctor. This is a result of Scott Morrison's cuts to Medicare and I'm determined to strengthen Medicare so our families can see their doctor when they need to.
Finally, if we want to build a stronger region out of this pandemic, we need a plan for local jobs. We can't be using Government investment in infrastructure, defence and renewable energy to create jobs in other countries.
We must use those opportunities to create future jobs for our children right here in Australia. That's what I'm determined to do through Labor's Future Made in Australia Plan. It includes a plan to ensure government rail purchases, defence procurement and renewable energy investment are used to create jobs right here in Australia.