*** This article was updated with additional commentary on 8 May ***
What will the Labor landslide mean for our health and for health policy?
We know what Labor has promised to deliver on health policy, thanks in part to the careful recording of election commitments by Croakey columnist Charles Maskell-Knight.
We also know that Labor’s first term ended with a widespread sense that they could, and should, have achieved so much more in critical areas, from climate action to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to public health and healthcare reform.
At the same time, many election scorecards made it clear that a Liberal National Party victory would have been a bad outcome for health and human rights, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for key public health concerns.
Not that election scorecards in themselves are necessarily influential: the Greens nearly always rate highly on health and human rights, yet this does not seem to influence the great majority of voters.
Will Labor’s historic victory embolden the Albanese Government to push harder and to rise to the challenges ahead?
Or will it slide into complacency and avoid taking on some of the hard fights?
Croakey readers will have their own views about to measure this next Government. One critical point will be whether they develop the backbone to step up in the space they vacated after the Voice referendum.
Policy making 101 advises listening to the communities most affected when developing and implementing policy for those communities, and to engage in meaningful co-design. The Government’s insistence that “the Voice is gone” only underscores the need for Voice-like mechanisms and structures.
Another key question is whether the Government will have the mettle to do what has long been needed – to have a genuine conversation with the Australian public about what the warming climate means for our health, in the short and longer term.
Given low levels of climate health literacy in the community, a national public health education campaign is long overdue. This would, of course, mean mentioning the elephant in the room: calls from health experts and agencies to phase out fossil fuels, rather than continuing the Government’s longstanding support for fossil fuels at home and abroad.
The Australian Democracy Network, which is hosting a post-election discussion on 19 May about what the election results mean for political integrity reforms, says much will depend on the lessons the re-elected Government takes from the result.
“Will they see the election result as an endorsement of a small-target approach on contentious issues like gambling reform, salmon farming and fossil fuel expansion – issues where they took the side of industry lobbyists over the community?” the Network’s executive director, Saffron Zomer, wrote in an email to subscribers this week.
“Or will they see this as a rejection of far-right politics and the opportunity to put forward a bold and ambitious agenda to reform how politics is done, moving forward confidently and inclusively, as the Prime Minister stated in his victory speech?
“In the last Parliament, while some important reforms were made, overall we didn’t see the progress on integrity issues that we’d hoped for. Key decisions were watered down or slowed down for the sake of achieving bipartisan support from an Opposition that was clearly not seeking strong integrity outcomes.”
The Australia Institute’s Executive Director, Richard Denniss, says “we face a time of historic opportunity” – to fix the housing crisis, reduce the gap between rich and poor, and “to finally rein in the fossil fuel industry that’s wrecking our climate and driving up the cost of living”.
“The key question is: will the Albanese Government seize this nation shaping opportunity? Or will it continue cautiously – at best, wasting precious time or, at worst, letting a new, more dangerous, right-wing politics emerge?” Denniss wrote in an email to subscribers today.
“As a nation, we simply cannot afford to waste this golden opportunity by tinkering around the edges of problems. This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity for a progressive government with an unprecedented super-majority to enact the bold, brave, and necessary change Australia needs.”
Civil society matters
Clearly, progress under the next Albanese Government will depend on a host of factors, many outside of Australia’s control.
One message from the election outcome is the important role of civil society in mobilising and engaging communities in key health concerns.
In a post-election email to supporters, Groundswell listed a stack of climate campaigns and projects supported by its donors. These included:
- Solar Citizens‘ ‘Defend and Extend’ campaign successfully protected four million solar households while exposing nuclear’s economic failure.
- Farmers for Climate Action research proved the “quiet majority” of Australian farmers champion local renewable energy projects.
- An AAP climate correspondent, made possible with Groundswell funding, delivered quality climate coverage to 300+ regional publications.
- Green Music Australia’s ‘No Music on a Dead Planet’ campaign had more than 1,000 artist endorsements including Midnight Oil, Missy Higgins, and King Stingray, reaching over nine million fans.
- The 1 Million Women’s #SheVotes campaign mobilised thousands of women for clean energy action by showing how renewables reduce both costs and emissions.
- Parents for Climate’s #VoteLikeAParent campaign connected climate action to cost-of-living wins, scoring pledges from 400+ candidates across every single electorate.
- Seed Mob stepped up with crucial voting education, helping First Nations communities navigate enrolment, creating First Nations justice voting scorecards to share clear information on where the major parties stand, raising awareness about remote polling stations so no community was left out, and hosting virtual events to elevate and centre the voices of First Nations people.
- Australian Youth Climate Coalition trained volunteers for thousands of conversations, enrolling hundreds of first-time voters, plastering four marginal seats with posters, reaching tens of thousands digitally, and mobilising 27 electorates to hand out 10,000 Climate Scorecards.
By contrast, Croakey notes that the National Rural Health Alliance’s election scorecard did not mention climate change as a critical health concern for regional, remote and rural communities, despite their increased vulnerability and lived experience, as we reported from #CroakeyLIVE webinars during the election campaign.
The question for the next term is not just whether the Government will step up where needed, but whether wider civil society is sufficiently resourced and focused to address the key areas requiring advocacy.
Below we publish election reaction from across the sector, including commentary from the National Indigenous Health Alliance, NACCHO, VACCHO, SNAICC, First Peoples Disability Network, ACOSS, Amnesty International, Climate and Health Alliance, Climate Council, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Public Health Association of Australia, Ageing Australia, Australian Hospitals and Healthcare Association, Jesuit Social Services, Everybody’s Home, Palliative Care Australia, National Rural Health Alliance, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Australian College of Nursing, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Royal Australian College of GPs, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Advanced Pharmacy Australia, Pharmaceutial Society of Australia, Allied Health Professions Australia, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Catholic Health Australia, Just.Equal Australia, Autism Awareness Australia, Speech Pathology Australia, Medicines Australia.
Structural change needed
National Indigenous Health Leadership Alliance (NIHLA)
The National Indigenous Health Leadership Alliance (NIHLA) extends its congratulations to the newly elected Government and Parliament and looks forward to continuing strong, constructive engagement with all political parties to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We reaffirm our commitment to work alongside governments to transform Australia’s healthcare system so that it is culturally safe, responsive, and delivers real outcomes — not just promises — for our communities.
NIHLA urges all elected leaders to uphold and strengthen bipartisan support for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, particularly its Priority Reform Areas which remain critical to genuine, lasting change. These reforms must not remain words on paper — they must be actively and consistently implemented across all government portfolios and departments.
As we have highlighted in recent statements and our recent 2025 Senate Inquiry submission:
The barriers to progress are not a lack of funding, but a failure to reform government systems, processes, and attitudes. Bureaucratic resistance to power-sharing has slowed implementation of the Priority Reforms and undermined co-design.
Self-determination, cultural safety, and Indigenous-led solutions must guide all policy development, funding, and service delivery – this is not optional, it is essential.
“Nothing About Us Without Us” must be the foundation of all reform efforts. It is time for public sector institutions to move beyond consultation to shared decision-making and accountability.
Anti-racism must be embedded into the Closing the Gap implementation process, including mechanisms for transparency, monitoring, and culturally safe service provision.
As affirmed by the Productivity Commission and the Close the Gap Campaign, governments must stop treating the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Priority Reforms as aspirational statements. These are commitments to change how governments work, not just what governments fund.
Karl Briscoe, Chair of NIHLA, has consistently stated: “Where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have driven the implementation of the Priority Reform Areas in our communities, we have seen real progress. This demonstrates the power of our leadership when governments listen, trust, and act in good faith”.
We call on the incoming Parliament to:
Ensure bipartisan political support continues for Closing the Gap and the full implementation of its Priority Reforms.
Direct public sector agencies to operationalise their commitments, including partnering with ACCOs and Indigenous-led organisations to co-design solutions.
Prioritise data sovereignty, strengths-based measurement, and healing-informed responses to address systemic inequities and intergenerational trauma.
Implement the long-overdue recommendations of the Bringing Them Home report and embed these into Closing the Gap frameworks as unfinished national business.
The path forward requires courage, trust, and partnership. NIHLA is ready to work with all parties in building a stronger, fairer, and culturally safer health system — for all.
Stronger leadership needed
NACCHO interview with NITV
Governments must change how they work with First Nations communities, according to Pat Anderson, CEO of NACCHO, and convenor of the Coalition of Peaks.
In an interview with NITV, Anderson said structural change was needed within government, in how they work with communities, shared decision-making partnerships, and to transform their own institutions so that they’re safe places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Anderson said she expected much stronger leadership from the second term of the Labor Government when it comes to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,.
Real change would only come when funding is tied to reform — and when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations were not sidelined by bureaucracy, but properly empowered to lead the work.
Anderson also called for federal leadership on youth justice.
Make Closing the Gap a priority
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO)
VACCHO is now calling on the Albanese Government in its second term, to make good on this commitment by taking swift and meaningful action to close the gap and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to experience poorer health outcomes culminating in a substantial gap in life expectancy between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians.
VACCHO CEO Dr Jill Gallagher AO, said she was pleased to see both Senator Penny Wong and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deliver an Acknowledgement of Country in their victory speeches on election night – both met with emphatic applause.
“This election outcome has shown us that Australians have voted against divisive and racist politics and voted for fairness, equality and unity.”
While the lead up to the Federal election was extremely challenging for Aboriginal people, Dr Gallagher said she feels like Mob can breathe a sigh of relief and feel hopeful that the needs of Aboriginal communities can be talked about properly.
“The outcome of this election should mark the end of my people being used as a political football. Despite numerous promises and commitments, there’s no denying that the gap still remains wide, but with a renewed leadership comes a renewed sense of hope,” she said.
VACCHO would like to see the re-elected Labor government act now to make urgent investment in Aboriginal Community-Controlled health infrastructure to ensure the delivery of culturally safe and effective care and help close the gap.
“I implore the re-elected Federal Labor Government to prioritise adequately resourcing Aboriginal organisations and make meaningful commitments that go beyond election cycles.”
If the government invests in putting Aboriginal health in Aboriginal hands, Dr Gallagher says we will create vibrant, self-determining Communities where our Boorais (children) will grow up to shape the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“Together we have a great opportunity to create a future where Closing the Gap is not just an election promise, but a reality for our People,” Dr Gallagher said.
Bold reforms needed
First Peoples Disability Network
First Peoples Disability Network calls on new Government to put First Nations people with disability at the centre of bold reforms
Damian Griffis, CEO of First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), reflected on the recent election, stating:
“This election marks a new chapter. Our communities are anticipating great change with this government, and our expectations are clear – self-determination is the key to progress.”
The First Peoples Disability Network congratulates the Australian Labor Party on its victory in the 2025 Federal Election, and welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership to ensure First Nations people with disability are at the forefront of national reform efforts.
As the peak national organisation representing and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, FPDN is urging the incoming government to prioritise culturally responsive and community-led solutions across key areas including the NDIS, the Disability Sector Strengthening Plan, Australia’s Disability Strategy, and service systems.
Ensure no-one is left behind
ACOSS
The second term of the Albanese Government must now seize this opportunity to be bolder in delivering real reform to fulfill its promise of leaving no-one behind.
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition last night that there is still much more to do to help people under pressure. He is absolutely right,” said ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie.
“Millions across the country cannot afford the basics of life, including food, rent, medicine and power bills and we are facing a worsening climate crisis. People waking up today face exactly the same long-term challenges as they did before the election.
“To deliver on its promise of leaving no-one behind, Labor must raise the rate of income support to an adequate level. Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and related payments are still so low they trap people in poverty. Raising the Rate of these payments must be the first order of business. How much longer must people wait for the help they desperately need?
“With the Housing Australia Future Fund now secure, we urge bolder action to build more social and affordable housing and deliver further energy upgrades to low–income homes to provide permanent power bill relief. We must also start proper tax reform to raise the public revenue that is needed to navigate our way to a fairer future.”
Dr Goldie said the Coalition’s negative campaigning has been comprehensively rejected by voters.
“The Coalition offered no long-term solutions to the cost-of-living, housing, and climate crises.
“They scapegoated migrants for the housing crisis, proposed policies that would worsen housing affordability, attacked Welcome to Country ceremonies, planned to slash public sector jobs and proposed more polluting gas and nuclear plants that will take years to build,” said Dr Goldie.
“ACOSS welcomes the Prime Minister’s focus on fairness, equality and respect. We call on all political parties to denounce divisive policies and rhetoric. Election campaigns are challenging and traumatising for communities who find themselves so often targeted.
“We urge solidarity with First Nations peoples, trans and gender diverse people, migrants, refugees and other communities. We call on politicians to listen to First Nations people and people who are directly affected, and who are best placed to understand what their communities need.
“Labor must deliver the funding needed to First Nations-led organisations to implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and commit to truth-telling and treaty processes.
“We thank the community leaders, advocates and people directly affected who have worked tirelessly to make a difference. Their dedication and voices must guide the next parliament’s decisions.”
Advance human rights
Amnesty International
The second term of Prime Minister Albanese’s Labor government must be one of courage, commitment to advancing the human rights of all Australians and to protecting the international rules-based order abroad.
In returning Labor to power, Australians have firmly rejected Peter Dutton’s demonisation of refugees, threats to cut the humanitarian intake and his fearmongering on Palestinians who have come to Australia on temporary visas to escape Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The Labor government must take this outcome as further confirmation that Australians want refugees, people seeking asylum and people on visas treated with dignity, compassion and fairness.
One of the key issues of this federal election was housing. While the Labor government has promised various small reforms to assist with the housing crisis, it remains the case that the fundamental human right to housing is not formally protected in Australian law.
Amnesty International Australia will continue to push the government to legislate a Human Rights Act that would enshrine the right to housing in law to force a whole-of-society response to support people experiencing homelessness, facing unjust eviction and living in unsafe, crowded housing in remote communities.
Amnesty International Australia will spend the first 100 days of the 48th parliament campaigning for:
- The legislation of a national Human Rights Act that transforms Australia’s approach to human rights, justice and equality.
- Federal leadership in reducing the over-imprisonment of First Nations children and preventing abuse in youth detention centres.
- The adoption of a humane and generous policy to support refugees and people seeking asylum.
- Australia to play a greater role in the protection of international human rights, with particular focus on the genocide in Gaza and the human rights abuses occurring in China, Afghanistan and Myanmar.
Turning point for climate and health?
Climate and Health Alliance
The Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) calls for stronger, more ambitious climate and health policy as the Albanese Labor Government wins a second term.
In their first term of government, Labor delivered landmark progress on climate and health with the publication of the National Health and Climate Strategy. At the same time, we continued to see the 30+ fossil fuel projects approved, contributing to worse climate and health outcomes in Australia.
We congratulate the Labor government on their re-election and acknowledge the important progress made in their first term, including the release of Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy.
But progress on paper must be matched by ambitious action. In this second term, we urge the government to raise its ambition – to deliver policies that protect health and invest in a healthy, regenerative and just future.
The health impacts of climate change, from increasing extreme weather events to the mental health toll, are already being felt across Australia. The new Government must act swiftly to embed Health in All Policies and rapidly cut emissions.
We know that a thriving climate underpins good health. That means cutting emissions this decade in line with the best science, preparing health systems for climate impacts, and ensuring our communities are safe, healthy and resilient.
We also encourage the Labor Government to work with the cross bench and civil society to drive stronger, more equitable outcomes on climate and health as the window for action narrows and communities are feeling the impacts.
This term of government is an opportunity to lead – not to become complacent. The public mandate demonstrates what Australia wants: A healthy, regenerative and just future for all.
Push hard for climate action
Climate Council
We have a real chance to shape the coming years as the moment when Australia truly turned the corner on climate. But this vision won’t happen without all of us pushing hard to make it reality.
Climate change affects everything in our economy, and our future. It is now a permanent fixture in our elections. This is the time to go all out by building on and accelerating our climate progress.
As we spelled out in our Climate Crossroads report, the Albanese government made inroads on renewable energy, clean transport and climate targets in its first term, with credible climate policies to deliver this term.
However, they continue to approve coal, oil and gas projects with no clear plans to phase out fossil fuel developments – putting our future at risk, undermining our progress, and harming our communities.
The Climate Council has a clear role to play to transform our country for the better. With your backing, we’ll advocate strongly for practical climate solutions and push this government to seize the generational opportunity that’s before us: to slash climate pollution, build a country that’s prosperous and safer, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Our challenge to the Albanese government to achieve this vision is clear:
- Lock in and rapidly scale up the switch to clean energy already underway.
- Enable the electrification of transport and industry, and provide the foundation for new clean industries.
- Set a strong 2035 target that drives faster, deeper cuts to climate pollution.
- Better regulate polluters, and stop new fossil fuel projects in their tracks.
Bold healthcare reforms needed
Consumers Health Forum of Australia
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) is urging the returned Labor government to seize the first 100 days of its second term to make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and consumer-focused.
Australians on the weekend have clearly voted for reform and investment into healthcare. As Australians grapple with the rising cost of living, long wait times, and a complex health system, CHF stresses that urgent action is needed to ensure people can afford the care they require, when and how they need it.
The government was re-elected on a promise of healthcare reform and investment. Now we want to see these promises delivered. Importantly the voices and needs of healthcare consumers must be involved as the government’s election promises are rolled out,” Consumers Health Forum CEO Dr Elizabeth Deveny said.
CHF is calling on the Albanese Government to prioritise:
Delivering More Bulk Billing: Work with consumers and GPs to meet the government’s goal of 90% of GP visits bulk billed by 2030.
Cheaper Medicines: Publicise the upcoming $25 PBS co-payment cap to help consumers plan for and benefit from lower medicine costs, and Introduce a system to ensure automatic application of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Safety Net pricing.
Getting urgent care clinics right: Expansion of the network must coincide with an independent review which seeks the views of consumers and their experiences of the current clinics to ensure services meet expectations.
Prioritising Preventative Health Investment: Fund CHF to roll out the Understanding Medicare – Understanding Your Health program and support the Coalition for Preventative Health Funding to move toward the 5% target of total health expenditure by 2030.
Creating a universal dental scheme: Work towards universal access to dental care starting with a Seniors Dental Scheme and a Low-Income Dental Scheme linked to concession cards, increasing funding for public dental services, and appointing a Commonwealth Chief Dental/Oral Health Officer. Oral health should be treated as a core component of overall healthcare.
“People want care they can both afford and access. Access is just as important as cost, and for those in rural and regional areas, it can be the bigger challenge,” Dr Deveny said.
CHF is also urging the federal government to work closely with consumers when delivering these reforms.
“We’re not calling for another round of consultation. We’re asking for shared responsibility – reform that includes the voices of those who use and pay for the system. These voices should be heard clearly,” Dr Deveny said.
“The next 100 days are a real opportunity. That means working together, across government, clinical and industry groups, departments, communities and trusted peaks like CHF, to reshape a system that better reflects what matters most to the people it’s meant to serve.”
Key public health matters
Public Health Association of Australia
In an article published at Intouch Public Health, the PHAA’s Malcolm Baalman and Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin examined the implications for key public health issues:
On the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the legislation to create the full statutory body is expected by the end of 2025. The degree of funding and mission remains to be determined. “We will continue to insist that it have a mission to tackle non-communicable chronic diseases, which the Government has yet to commit to.”
To achieve action on obesity, the public health community “will need to maintain vigorous advocacy”, with the Labor Party promising no new initiatives in this area despite the National Preventive Health Strategy (2021) and the National Obesity Strategy (2022).
Investment in prevention is not certain.
On climate change and its health impacts, “stronger action is clearly needed”.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health – There are no new election promises from Labor, but in recent Budgets the Government has been increasing funding for Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations, and targeted some relevant specific health conditions. Pressure should be maintained to keep expanding preventive care to close the gaps. There is also no clarity on what the new government might do on wider reconciliation and issues based on the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Universal oral health – The re-elected government made no new commitments to expand either preventive or treatment dental services, through Medicare or otherwise. This was, however, a prominent policy demand of the Greens, under their ‘Dental Into Medicare’ banner, so expect them to use their Senate leverage to try to make Labor act in this space.
Gambling reform – the Government (and the Prime Minister) made no specific election promises to act on the 31 recommendations of the 2023 parliamentary ‘Murphy Report’ into online gambling reform, but every Labor candidate would have heard the importance of this issue from constituents during the campaign, and many candidates commented unofficially that “something must be done”. “Continuing pressure from the advocates for reform – including the public health community – is necessary”.
Read the full article here.
Aged care reforms a priority
Ageing Australia
Ageing Australia calls on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ensure aged care remains a priority of his government.
“We congratulate Prime Minster Albanese on winning the Federal Election and we look forward to continuing to work with his government on meaningful, well-designed reform,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
Ageing Australia worked closely with the Labor Government and LNP opposition in the previous term of parliament to reach rare bipartisan support for a new Aged Care Act.
“The reform journey can only continue with this type of solidarity.”
“Politicians of all persuasions put older Australians ahead of party politics to land these historic reforms, but the job has only just begun,” said Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson.
“Supporting transition to the new Act, addressing the workforce crisis and improving access for older Australians must be a national priority moving forward.”
Transition times remain a major concern for providers, on top of financial sustainability pressures.
“We fully support the introduction of the new Act and the charter of rights for older Australians, but the plain truth is providers simply won’t have enough time to implement all of the reforms by 1 July, with the real risk of creating mass confusion for older Australians and the sector as a whole.”
“Both providers and older people need to get across the changes to the aged care system, however we don’t yet know what those final changes are and we still don’t have all the information we need to get on with the job.”
“We have an opportunity to deliver these once in a generation reforms in a way that makes the lives of older people better – we cannot afford to squander it.”
Fresh momentum for health reform
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association
Health was a central issue throughout the 2025 Federal Election campaign, and voters made clear their expectations for a healthcare system that is fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.
‘Now is the time to build on this mandate with collaborative, meaningful reform that puts people and communities at the centre of care, and the returning Federal Government has both the opportunity and the responsibility to act,’ said AHHA Ltd Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock.
AHHA Ltd welcomes the Government’s commitment to reaffirm the founding principles of Medicare and is calling for action through systemic reform that prioritises equity, sustainability, and innovation.
This includes a broader reform agenda grounded in value-based health care (VBHC), a framework that unites all parts of the system to shift focus from volume to value and prioritising outcomes that matter to people and communities. This requires:
- Measuring and reporting what matters through a National Health Information Strategy
- Supporting a resilient, person-centred workforce
- Enabling regional innovation and stewardship
- Using funding models that reward improved outcomes, not just volume of services
These principles were front and centre at the recent 2025 Value-Based Health Care Congress, held on the eve of the federal election. The Congress showcased timely and practical examples of how VBHC can support equitable, sustainable, and person-centred reform, demonstrating the knowledge, tools and partnerships that are required to make this happen.
‘Now is the time for the Government to embrace value-based health care as a unifying framework to deliver the reforms Australians have called for,’ Ms Woolcock said.
‘By focusing on outcomes and equity, we can strengthen the foundations of Medicare and create a health system fit for the future.’
This was a historic re-election, shaped by global challenges. With renewed momentum, AHHA Ltd looks forward to working with the Government and the broader health sector to ensure that policy decisions reflect what matters to Australians, and that care is fair, affordable, and person-centred.
Deliver on housing
Everybody’s Home
The return of the Albanese government offers a chance to build on housing progress, with millions of Australians expecting bolder action this term, according to Everybody’s Home.
The national housing campaign said a Labor win shows that Australians have overwhelmingly rejected the Coalition’s approach to Australia’s housing crisis.
Everybody’s Home now looks forward to working with the Labor government, urging them to implement:
- A major expansion of social housing, aiming to deliver 940,000 new homes within the next two decades to meet demand
- A phase out of unfair tax handouts to property investors that fuel property speculation
- Nationally consistent protections for renters
- A boost to income support to help keep people housed and out of poverty.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said: “Everybody’s Home joins the rest of the sector in congratulating the Labor government on its re-election. This victory offers an opportunity to build on the work the government has done in its first term, including on housing.
“Australians have rejected the Coalition’s housing agenda, which offered policies that would make affordability worse. Raiding your superannuation to buy a home, allowing first-time buyers to deduct mortgage interest payments from their taxable income, and scrapping the Housing Australia Future Fund designed to build more social homes are clearly not vote winners.
“An overwhelming majority of Australians told us they want to see the next government step up and deliver policies that will shift the dial on the housing crisis and make homes more affordable for everyone. Labor must build on its initial progress with bold, ambitious, visionary housing reform that meets the scale of the housing crisis and voter expectations.
“Housing needs to be front and centre of Labor’s priorities. Australians are buckling under crushing rental costs and a critical shortage of homes that are affordable. Mounting homelessness and housing stress demand urgent action—sticking with the status quo will only deepen the crisis.
“This term presents Labor with a defining opportunity: to change the lives of millions and cement a legacy of bold, lasting housing reform.”
An historic opportunity
Jesuit Social Services
Jesuit Social Services congratulates the Albanese Government on its re-election, and says the Federal Government has a significant opportunity to commit to bold policies and investments that give all Australians, particularly children, young people and those on the margins, an opportunity to flourish.
“The result of the weekend’s Federal Election makes it clear that millions of Australians have voted in favour of fundamental and foundational supports that benefit us all, such as enhanced health and mental health care, education and action on climate change,“ says Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards.
“We were pleased to see the Prime Minister, in his victory speech on Saturday night, emphasise ‘fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all’ and ‘the strength to show courage in adversity and kindness to those in need’. These are values that Jesuit Social Services has long advocated for, and we look forward to working with the Federal Government in support of a country where every single person is supported to lead fulfilling and productive lives.”
Jesuit Social Services’ Federal Election platform called on the country’s leaders to deliver research, strategies and programs that support children, young people and their families to lead safe and healthy lives.
“We know that childhood trauma underpins many of the significant issues facing Australia at the moment, such as family violence, crime and mental health. If we want to create a society where everyone can thrive, we need to do much more to support all Australians – but particularly children and young people – to live life free from trauma caused by abuse, family violence, justice system involvement, place-based disadvantage and the impacts of climate change,” says Ms Edwards.
The election platform included 17 recommendations relating to youth justice, family violence, child sexual abuse prevention, education, training and employment, mental health, housing, settlement, disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.
Key recommendations include developing and funding new, responsive and flexible employment initiatives focused on highly disadvantaged jobseekers, investing in the collection of more and better data on the extent of perpetration of family violence and child sexual abuse and its dynamics and drivers, and providing funding to state and territory governments for targeted, specialised and holistic programs of housing and support for people with multiple and complex needs.
“This Government has been elected to continue working towards a stronger, fairer Australia where everyone can reach their potential, and we hope that there is much positive progress towards this vision over the next three years.”
Better access to palliative care
Palliative Care Australia
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) looks forward to working with the newly elected Albanese Government to make palliative care a central element in the next steps of our country’s critical health and aged care reforms.
“Leading up to Election Day, Australians made it clear that ‘better access to palliative care’ needs to be a priority for the 48th Parliament,” says Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
“Over 40,000 people signed our petition before going into the ballot box. We have been inspired by the response, which also sends a clear message to those just elected.
“I am grateful to everyone who got behind our ‘better access to palliative care’ campaign leading up to the election especially the much-loved Jean Kittson, our members and partners in the health and aged care sectors.”
All sides of politics spoke about the need for stronger health and aged care services during the election campaign and put forward a range of initiatives.
“Measures that improve key systems like Medicare are good for palliative care,” Ms Rowland says.
“But more is needed. We urge the re-elected Albanese Government to adopt specific, targeted measures during this term, that start to address the growing demand for palliative care.
In the lead up to the election, PCA and our members highlighted immediate actions the Australian Government can take to improve access to palliative care. We are asking for:
- Better access to palliative care in primary care.
- Better access to critical palliative care medicines.
- Better access to palliative care in aged care.
- Better access to support at home for people under 65 with a terminal illness.
“We had presented both parties with these priority actions that deepen and mature the health and care reforms of the last three years. These actions were well received, and we have been assured they are being considered.”
One significant win for the sector during the election campaign was news of funding to develop a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Plan.
“This is something PCA and our members have been advocating for over many years and is very welcome news, because it recognises the unique cultural and spiritual needs of First Nations Peoples,” Ms Rowland says.
Further details about the Plan are expected soon.
“The rate at which our population is ageing means we simply must act and respond to the need for more palliative care,” Ms Rowland says.
“Over the next two decades the number of people aged over 85 will be more than one million. We have no time to waste when it comes to meeting their care needs.
“PCA looks forward to being a partner in that work with the new Albanese Government.”
Implement rural health reform
National Rural Health Alliance
The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his re-election and stands ready to continue a strong collaboration with the re-elected Labor government to advance rural health reform across rural, regional and remote Australia.
NRHA worked closely with the first-term Albanese Government on a number of reviews, most of which have now presented their recommendations. A second-term government must now drive key health reforms aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare for the 7.3 million Australians – 30 per cent of the population –living in rural, regional and remote communities.
“NRHA looks forward to assisting this Government and Department with the work of implementing many of the key initiatives that were reformed during their first term. These include the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce: Scope of Practice Review, the Strengthening Medicare Measures, the National Medical Workforce Strategy, and the Australian Digital Health Workforce Strategy,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
“Our contribution, alongside other rural health stakeholders, helped shape these reforms and many of our recommendations were acknowledged and referenced in the final reports,” she said. “Now it is time for the Albanese Government to implement these important reforms and measures and the NRHA stands ready to help in this implementation phase.”
These reforms are the basis for real change and can’t come too soon. Rural and remote communities can wait no longer. They have poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts.
“Our input into the review process highlighted the importance of grassroots-led health services, a stronger Primary Care system, rural mental health services, as well as women’s health services. We have also made it clear that digital health and connectivity are critical to improving healthcare access and outcomes. “
“Throughout our work, the goal has remained clear—ensuring health equity and parity for all Australians, regardless of where they live.”
Invest in rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) urges the returning government to prioritise real investment in rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.
With more than seven million Australians living outside major cities, ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says it’s time for bold, practical action to close the rural health gap.
“We congratulate Prime Minister Albanese and the Labor party on their re-election victory,” Dr Martin says. “We now look to the new government to work closely with the sector to improve access to care for rural, remote and First Nations communities, and ensure rural General Practice is viable and sustainable for the future.”
Dr Martin says that without urgent action, communities will continue to be left without essential services.
“Rural and remote Australians deserve the same access to healthcare as those in cities. Chronic underfunding has gone on too long.
“We know Rural Generalists (RGs) are uniquely equipped to provide high-quality care in these settings but we need targeted investment to grow and sustain this workforce.”
“ACRRM has outlined a clear plan for the incoming government to build a sustainable RG workforce and improve healthcare delivery and we are committed to working with the new government to turn election promises into policy.
“This is a crucial opportunity to drive change. We look forward to meeting with the incoming ministers to reinforce our election priorities.
“We need this incoming government to be willing to deliver real, practical solutions so that every Australian, no matter where they live, can access the care they need.”
Fast track health reform
The Australian College of Nursing
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) congratulates the Albanese Government on its re-election and looks forward to working with the government on the unfinished business of meaningful health reform that commenced in its first term.
ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN, said that ACN and the nursing profession urge the government to fast track its health reform processes, especially implementing the recommendations of the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review (the Cormack Review) – a commitment reiterated by Labor HQ during the election campaign.
“It is vital that the momentum for significant and much-needed health reform initiated by Health Minister Mark Butler, Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney, Aged Care Minister Anika Wells, and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Malarndirri McCarthy, continues and picks up pace in this second term,” Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
“The time to restructure the health system for the future is now.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly reform Medicare and the health system to make it sustainable in the years and decades ahead – for our children and their children.
“Australia must move beyond doctor-only healthcare solutions. Nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals have more to offer in multidisciplinary teams.
“Scope of practice reforms will allow all health professionals to work to their full capacity and potential – what they were trained and educated to do.
“New funding models, including blended payment systems will create efficiencies and improve patient access to the care they need when they need it and where they need it. This will create equity of access for rural, regional, and remote communities; First Nations communities; disadvantaged and vulnerable populations; and older Australians.
“The government has the blueprints for action – including the work of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, the National Nursing Workforce Strategy, and the Scope of Practice Review.
“The Cormack Review outlines the funding and regulatory reform that is required to deliver real improvements to the delivery of primary health care.
“In an era of soaring rates of chronic conditions and an ageing population, we need the multidisciplinary care these reports envision to address strains on our health system and preventable hospital admissions.”
“We need funding reform for primary care to increase the proportion of blended funding, which would allow funding of more multidisciplinary care in primary practice.
“And we need more specific funding for innovative nurse-led models of care.
“Workforce shortages must remain a critical focus.
“We look forward to the release of the National Nursing Workforce Strategy this term. We require comprehensive measures to not only attract people to the profession, but to provide incentives to former nurses to return to practice, and for current nurses to remain committed to their vital roles.
“Overcoming resistance to change and doing the technical reform work will deliver enormous benefits to the health budget – and most importantly to patients.
“ACN is ready to collaborate with all parliamentarians to support nurse-led solutions to the challenges facing our health system.
“Nurses are the solution – in all health settings and in all locations across Australia,” Adjunct Professor Zeitz said.
Workforce matters
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation
The country’s biggest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his historic Election win and looks forward to working with his new Government to continue to deliver improved outcomes in health and aged care.
ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said Mr Albanese had delivered many gains for nurses and midwives and care workers during his last term of his Government – which will now help secure better outcomes in health and aged care for the community over the next three years.
“We congratulate Mr Albanese and his federal Labor team on their historic re-election to Government,” Ms Butler said today.
“Over the last term of Government, many ANMF members benefitted from Labor’s reforms, such as improved wages and 24/7 RN staffing in aged care; improvements to workers’ rights; the removal of outdated barriers to practice for nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives; fee-free TAFE courses for over 100,000 students; and the establishment of a National Nursing and Midwifery Health Program.
“In the lead-up to this Election, Mr Albanese again promised he’d stand-up for nurses, midwives and care workers, which we welcome because although we’ve made significant gains, we still have much work to do.
“Peter Dutton made the mistake of ignoring nurses and midwives in the lead-up to this Election demonstrating a lack of respect for our professions and our contribution to the health of our communities. It’s clear that Australians understood this and weren’t prepared to risk Peter Dutton but instead put their vote of confidence in Mr Albanese and his team’s positive agenda for health and aged care.
“We now look forward to getting down to work with Mr Albanese and his team to start implementing the ANMF’s priorities, so we can continue building a sustainable workforce which is well-positioned to respond to Australia’s growing health needs into the future.”
General practice matters
Royal Australian College of GPs
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright has congratulated Anthony Albanese on his re-election as Prime Minister at the Federal Election.
“In the lead up to this election the RACGP celebrated a record $8.5 billion commitment to Medicare and the GP workforce. We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Labor Government to ensure accessible and affordable general practice care for all Australia.
“The Government’s commitment included significant funding to improve and increase training of specialist GPs, from expanding training numbers, to improving the wages and parental and study leave entitlements of GP trainees.
“It also included a well overdue boost to Medicare, which will be instrumental in helping Australians through the current cost-of-living crisis.
“We are now looking forward to helping the Government to implement that investment in the smartest way possible.
“Specialist GPs see more than 22 million Australians every year and are perfectly positioned to provide expert advice on the healthcare Australians need to manage complex chronic conditions, keeping them healthy and out of hospitals.
“Our goal is to make sure all patients can see a GP near them, who they trust and who knows their history. Because there really is no substitute for quality care from a GP who knows you.
“The RACGP will continue to advocate for reforms such as increased patient Medicare rebates to support long and complex consultations, which would be the best way to ensure high-quality specialist GP care is accessible and affordable for all Australians.
“We will also keep advocating for increased rebates for mental health consults, improving access to essential medicines, funding practices to grow their teams with allied health professionals, nurses, nurse practitioners and pharmacists, and combatting racism in healthcare.”
Look beyond GPs and primary care
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
The election outcome is proof Australians want a strengthened healthcare system, and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is urging the government to address the nation’s chronic shortage of medical specialists.
RACP President, Professor Jennifer Martin, congratulated the Albanese Labor Government on its re-election and encouraged them to look beyond existing commitments on GPs and primary care.
“The election outcome underscores the public’s support for an accessible health system that works for all Australians,” Professor Martin said.
“We welcome the re-elected Albanese Labor Government and congratulate them on their commitment to improving Australia’s healthcare system.
“During the election campaign, the Government made significant commitments to increase GP numbers and strengthen primary care services.
“Improving access to GPs is a vital first step, however, it alone won’t address the changing health needs of Australians, especially as the Australian population ages and we see more and more complex and chronic conditions.
“The Government must follow their necessary and welcome measures to improve GP access with an equally concerted effort to help bolster access to specialist medical care.
“Healthcare was a key issue this election, with many voters wanting urgent action on wait times and other access issues.
“We have an opportunity to build on the momentum for comprehensive healthcare reforms by taking the steps necessary to address the shortage of medical specialists and make healthcare more accessible for patients.
“GPs provide essential primary care, and specialists complement this care for patients with complex conditions.
“Over sixty per cent of Australians have chronic health conditions and many need access to specialist medical care regularly. This is especially true for older patients.
“As Australians live longer, the demand for specialist medical care will only grow, and we must take urgent steps to ensure that every Australian can access the healthcare they need – whether it is primary care through GPs or specialist medical care,” Professor Martin said.
The RACP is calling on the Government to implement key reforms aimed at strengthening the specialist workforce, including:
- More funding for public hospitals, which serve as the training grounds for medical specialists, so we are training enough specialists for the future
- Funding rural specialist training pathways to attract and retain doctors in regional areas
- Making telehealth more accessible with the return of specialist telephone consultations
- Introducing incentive payments for specialists who teach and supervise in rural areas
- Expanding the Specialist Training Program to support more doctors training in areas of need.
Action needed on workforce commitments
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are calling on the incoming Albanese Government to act swiftly on its promise to grow Australia’s mental health workforce and make mental health a first-order priority in its new term.
The College has congratulated the Albanese Government on securing another win and looks forward to working with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Health Minister Mark Butler to deliver on their mental health commitments and ensure Australians with mental health conditions can access timely specialist care.
“Labor’s $90 million pledge to train 1,200 new mental health workers is a very welcome start to addressing the workforce crisis,” said RANZCP President Dr Elizabeth Moore. “We hope the government builds on this momentum and works with the mental health sector to deliver lasting, system-wide reform.”
Labor’s pre-election mental health commitment includes:
- Extended funding for 30 psychiatry training places
- Supporting 200 GPs and other medical professionals to undertake the newly established Certificate of Postgraduate Training in Clinical Psychiatry
- A pilot of 10 new psychiatry places linked to Medicare Mental Health Centres.
“Australia is facing a dire shortage of mental health professionals, and people are missing out on care they desperately need because of it.
“We’re hearing from Australians repeatedly that help is too far away, too long a wait, too expensive or simply unavailable for many.
“Mental health services across the country are under immense pressure and cannot function without the workforce to deliver them. Despite carrying the second-highest burden of disease in Australia, mental health has long been held back by piecemeal investment and fragmented action.
“We know that change is possible.
“The mental health workforce shows up every day to support, care for and fight for the people who rely on them. We know their determination to make the system fairer and more accessible for Australians needing mental health care is shared by the decision-makers in Parliament.
“Now is the time for the Federal Labor Government to make this shared vision a reality.
“We hope delivering on their pre-election promise becomes a first-order priority for the government in its new term, because we can’t afford to let more people slip through the widening cracks in our mental health system.
“This is a chance for the returned Federal Labor Government to be bold and ambitious – and take on the challenge of rebuilding a mental health system that truly works: efficiently, effectively, and equitably.”
Invest in hospital pharmacy workforce
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha)
AdPha President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) welcomed Labor’s renewed commitments to Medicare – through cheaper medicines, stronger bulk billing, and increased public hospital funding – but urged the government to go further.
‘I congratulate Prime Minister Albanese and his Labor government on securing another term and the commitments they have made already to improve health care access for Australians.
‘To truly relieve pressure on overcrowded hospitals and emergency departments, we must however, urgently invest in the hospital pharmacy workforce and support new, evidence-based models of care.
’The forthcoming Pharmacy Programs Agreement must champion innovative, multidisciplinary care to ensure Australians can access high-quality pharmacy services wherever medicines are needed—whether in hospitals, aged care, general practice or community settings.’
Looking ahead to the next National Health Reform Agreement, AdPha is calling for stronger investment in health and pharmacy workforce capacity to meet growing demand and manage the complexity of new medicines entering the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
‘Our members are responsible for managing more than a quarter of PBS spending, and the majority of new PBS medicines are used in acute or specialist settings.
‘These high-value therapies require advanced pharmacy expertise—held by our members across 34 Specialty Practice domains—working closely with nurses and other clinicians.
‘Last week’s long-awaited PBS listing of edaravone for ALS is a prime example. This treatment requires daily infusion and complex preparation, which can only be delivered by skilled hospital pharmacists in team-based models of care.
‘We need more hospital pharmacists embedded in care teams to ensure patients receive timely, life-changing therapies safely and effectively, whether they live in our capital cities or our rural plains.’
AdPha renews its call to prioritise expansion of the Partnered Pharmacist Medication Prescribing (PPMP) collaborative care model; establishment of bilateral Pharmaceutical Reform Agreements (PRAs) in NSW and ACT; and formation of a dedicated Medicine Shortages and Discontinuations Clinical Advice Service.
Mr Simpson says these priorities will deliver more equitable, efficient and quality healthcare for all Australians while strengthening Australia’s world-class health system.
‘Medicines are Australia’s most common health intervention and critical to preventive care and chronic disease management.
‘It’s time to back pharmacy with bold, evidence-based policy to build a fairer, stronger and more sustainable health system.’
Reform agenda
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is committed to working with the government to advance professional pharmacist practice.
This includes PSA’s continued role representing the pharmacy profession on the Primary Care and Workforce Reviews Taskforce, the shared work plan outlined in the Strategic Agreement for Pharmacist Professional Practice and formulating an agreement on pharmacy programs outside of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement.
PSA particularly looks forward to working with the government to operationalise its commitment to a nation-wide community pharmacy trial boosting access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the new parliamentary term is an opportunity for a refreshed focus on timely, accessible and affordable healthcare by utilising all health professionals to their full scope.
“On behalf of all pharmacists, I extend my sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“As the government-recognised peak body for pharmacists in Australia, PSA remains committed to working with the federal government to ensure pharmacists are empowered and supported to practise to their full scope across the health system.
“Over the next parliamentary term, Australia will have to address the substantial workforce, patient health need and funding challenges facing our health system.
“We look forward to being a constructive and pragmatic partner of government in its response to the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review, which was handed down last November.
“PSA is committed to supporting the detailed and complex work required to implement its recommendations for a safer, more productive and sustainable health system.
“With the right support, pharmacists can do even more to improve medicine safety and further expand access to care. I look forward realising this vision over the next three years alongside the re-elected Albanese Government,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.
PSA also credits the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler MP for his leadership and continued engagement with PSA on a range of issues in the health portfolio. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister in the coming term.
Scope of practice matters
Allied Health Professions Australia
AHPA Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Morris-Donovan welcomed the re-elected Labor Government
“It was encouraging to see that Australians are seeking a Government that balances cost of living with the need for health reform,” said Morris-Donovan.
“We congratulate the Labor Party on their progressive commitment to advancing the nation’s health system. We now encourage the newly formed Albanese Government to recognise how allied health can be better utilised to improve access to healthcare.
“It is going to take a whole of health system approach and everyone working to full scope to meet the demand of an ageing population with increasing chronic and complex conditions.
“We look forward to working with all Governments and health leaders to better connect allied health into these critical reforms for improved health outcomes of all Australians.”
Implementation ahead
Australian Physiotherapy Association
Australian Physiotherapy Association National President Dr Rik Dawson MACP urges the second term Albanese Government to prioritise providing big solutions to the big problems currently ailing the Australian healthcare system.
‘During their first term, the Albanese Government took essential steps towards transforming our struggling healthcare system. By commissioning the Scope of Practice Review, which focused on ‘unleashing the potential of our health workforce,’ this government made clear that they are ready to deliver critical reforms to the healthcare system.’
‘In their second term, we look forward to working with the Albanese government to implement the changes recommended in the Scope of Practice Review’s final report,’ Dr Dawson says.
‘It is more urgent than ever for this government to prioritise major reform to help the countless Australians continuing to suffer in pain, all while facing the many barriers to access the care they need when they need it.’
This includes publicly funded First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP). FCP would provide Australians suffering from conditions such as musculoskeletal and chronic pain with direct access to physiotherapists for diagnosis and treatment when they need it and without needing a GP referral for publicly funded access.’
‘By funding First Contact Physiotherapy through Medicare, we can free up more GP appointments, cut down on wait times and hospital admissions and save millions in healthcare costs.’
‘Now is the time to implement the solutions our healthcare system needs and give Australians the care they deserve,’ Dr Dawson says.
Health and aged care reforms vital
Catholic Health Australia
Catholic Health Australia congratulates Anthony Albanese and Labor on its return to government following a strong focus on health during the election campaign.
“We congratulate the Albanese Government and acknowledge its important emphasis on health during the campaign,” said CEO Jason Kara.
“We look forward to working with the government to deliver reforms to ensure the sustainability of the private hospital system and tackle workforce shortages across the health and aged care sectors.
“We thank the health and aged care ministers Mark Butler and Anika Wells for their energy, urgency and constructive collaboration, and look forward to building on our advocacy in the government’s second term.
“We also thank former opposition leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Health and Aged Care Minister Anne Ruston for their constructive role in supporting reform that benefited all Australians.”
To improve the sustainability of private hospitals, CHA is calling for a National Private Price and reform of the private health insurance premium round, and will continue to push for these reforms when the new government is formed.
“Private hospitals are crucial in reducing the burden on the public system but many services are being forced to close due to insufficient funding. We need urgent reform to prevent this,” said Mr Kara.
In aged care, the transition to the Support at Home Program requires urgent attention. CHA strongly supports a staged transition to the new program beginning on 1 July 2025. This will reduce risks to this important reform and ensure older Australians are fully engaged in co-designing the care they receive.
Fearmongering rejected
Just.Equal Australia
Just.Equal Australia has called on a re-elected Labor Government to move quickly to implement overdue LGBTIQA+ reforms and has labelled the election result a rejection of anti-transgender fearmongering.
Just.Equal spokesperson, Brian Greig, said: “Labor’s solid win means it has a solid mandate to enact overdue reforms such as prohibiting discrimination in faith-based schools and services, ending the gay blood ban and appointing an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner.”
“The election result, including the failure of transphobic parties like Trumpet of Patriots to win a Lower House seat, is also an emphatic rejection by Australian voters of election fearmongering against trans and gender diverse Australians.”
“We will work hard to keep Labor to its commitments and not accept any more excuses about ‘needing Coalition support’ or ‘now is not the time’.”
“In particular, we will push the re-elected Government to speak out more often and more strongly in support of the rights and dignity of trans and gender diverse Australians.”
“In his victory speech, Anthony Albanese committed to fairness ‘no matter who you love’, and said ‘no one will be left behind’ and ‘Labor will govern for all Australians’, all words we will hold him to.”
The governing Labor Party substantially increased its majority, the Coalition Liberal/National Opposition lost significant ground and the Greens also lost Lower House seats.
In its first term the Albanese Labor Government increased funding for LGBTIQA+ health and prohibited workplace discrimination against trans and intersex people.
But it also broke its promises to ban LGBTIQA+ discrimination in faith-based schools and appoint an LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner. Meanwhile, Australia remains the only western, English-speaking country where gay men, and bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men, can only give blood if they abstain from sex.
Mr Greig thanked outgoing federal members who have advocated for the LGBTIQA+ community including retiring WA Senator, Louise Pratt, Australian Greens’ LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, Stephen Bates, retiring Queensland Liberal, Warren Entsch, and Tasmanian Liberal, Bridget Archer.
Action on foundational supports needed
Autism Awareness Australia
Autism Awareness Australia CEO, Nicole Rogerson, said the Australian people have delivered a clear message of confidence in this Government and now we need to see action.
“I’d like to personally congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Party for their overwhelming result on the weekend,” Mr Rogerson said.
“Our community of more than 300,000 autistic Australians and their families desperately need to see leadership and action from this Government.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to working with the Government to deliver on the promise of meaningful, accessible Foundational Supports – the very scaffolding that allows autistic Australians to live, learn, and thrive across every stage of life.
“The Albanese Government has a critical window of opportunity to transform rhetoric into reality.
“The introduction of Foundational Supports, alongside the National Autism Strategy, must now move from policy blueprint to operational reality, guided by transparency, urgency, and genuine co-design with the autism community.”
AAA’s recent 2025 National Parent and Carer Survey revealed a system in crisis:
- Diagnosis waiting times have blown out to over two years for one in three families
- Only 7.5% of autistic adults live independently
- 80% of families remain unclear on what Foundational Supports are or how they’ll work
Equity matters
Speech Pathology Australia
As the national peak body representing more than 15,000 speech pathologists across the country, Speech Pathology Australia looks forward to working collaboratively with the new government to ensure every Australian – regardless of age, background, or location – can access the speech pathology care they need.
“The ability to communicate is a basic human right and fundamental to participation in education, employment, and community life,” said Lyn Brodie, CEO of Speech Pathology Australia.
“One in five children are not developmentally on track with their communication skills when they start school. It is imperative that the government progresses work on meaningful policy reforms to address the need for speech pathology early intervention.
“We welcome the opportunity to partner with the new government to advance equitable access to speech pathology services, reduce health disparities, and ensure better outcomes for all people with communication and swallowing needs in Australia.”
Speech Pathology Australia welcomes continued dialogue on issues affecting the profession and the people they support, including:
- Improving access to timely and affordable speech pathology services, including through Medicare
- Providing opportunities for early intervention, such as funding speech pathologists in early childhood education and care settings in areas of the highest socioeconomic need
- Ensuring a strong and supported speech pathology workforce for continued access to care, including:
- addressing workforce undersupply, maldistribution, recruitment and retention challenges
- adding speech pathology students to the Commonwealth Prac Payment program
- ensuring sustainable services through fair therapy pricing in schemes such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme, that better reflect the cost of service delivery.
Speech Pathology Australia is committed to working alongside the government, Members of Parliament and Senators, and stakeholders across health, education, disability, and aged care to improve systems and support access to speech pathology for all people who need it.
Reform priorities
Medicines Australia
The return of the Labor Government presents a significant opportunity to realise bold, forward-looking reforms to strengthen the PBS by delivering on the agreed improvements to our health technology assessment (HTA) system.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said today that “Strengthening the PBS through implementation of the health technology assessment (HTA) reform recommendations will ensure Australians see faster access to safe and effective, innovative medicines.
“Active Australian-led reform of the PBS must be the priority. Science and medicines have evolved significantly in the last 30 years where no meaningful reform has occurred. The system is no longer fit for purpose and patients are waiting too long – on average 466 days when elsewhere in the world the wait may be as low as 60 days.”
“Patients, clinicians, the medicines industry and government are all aligned on the need for reform. The blueprint is sitting on the desk of the Hon Mark Butler MP, and now with the election out of the way, we need to get on with it.
Prior to the election, Health Minister Mark Butler restated the Government’s commitment to delivering all the commitments made under the existing Strategic Agreement, confirming that progress on the HTA Review is a high priority.
“I welcome the Government’s ongoing commitment to HTA reform. Medicines Australia will work with the Health Minister to ensure this is an early term priority of the re-elected Albanese Government,” Ms de Somer said.
See Croakey’s extensive coverage of the 2025 federal election
