How Healthcare Differs Between Australia’s States
Australians are fortunate to live in a country where the majority of citizens have easy access to exceptional healthcare. With internationally-renowned surgeons, specialists, and researchers calling Australia their home, we are privileged to experience industry-leading treatments and procedures.
Our healthcare system is cascaded across three tiers: overseen by Federal government (the body responsible for determining what is legal nation-wide), to the many other decisions are made at State level, and even local governments.
In many cases, people seeking treatment may need to travel interstate to seek safe access to procedures that are banned in their home state. In geographically large states, some rural-based patients must travel extended distances to attend specialist appointments, as most specialist doctors are located in the cities.
Because of this, the types of healthcare available to Australians can differ hugely from state to state. In this blog, Wilson Security discusses how access and regulations vary between states. Having been providing outstanding protection for the healthcare sector nationwide for many years, Wilson Security is proud to work with hospitals, clinics, and facilities across Australia.
Funding different services
Funding on a state level is distributed at the sitting government’s discretion. There are so many facets of healthcare that it seems an impossible job to divide funding equally between them, and with an amount that will result in actionable projects, research, and treatments. Recently, the WA state government faced criticism for its handling of mental health care; a study revealed that healthcare facilities are facing mounting pressure to provide adequate care for patients with their minimal resources.
There is certainly a greater push for state governments to channel more funding into healthcare, so much so that the Victorian Government has pledged $5.5 billion to building hospitals, making it easier for people to access care, supporting patients and their families, and the way paramedics respond to emergencies.
Traveling to appointments
Australia is a geographically vast country, and although most of the population hugs the coastline, many of its residents have settle far inland. In these rural areas, it can be difficult for people to seek adequate medical care – not just appointments with specialists, but even access to basic medical care from general practitioners and dentists can be a trial. For smaller states like Tasmania, ACT, and Victoria this may be as easier mountain to conquer, but in remote areas of WA, Queensland, and the Northern Territory travelling to an appointment could mean an overnight stay – and for patients requiring ongoing treatment, it could mean relocating altogether.
Legalisation of treatments and procedures
The legality of some procedures and treatments differs between states. For example, abortion is still illegal in several Australian states – NSW, Queensland, and South Australia, with penalties affecting the woman and the administering doctor. Medicinal cannabis was only recently legalised in each state (with Victoria leading the charge in 2017), though the extent of its usage varies depending on where you are and what illness you present with. For example, Victoria only allows children with treatment-resistant epilepsy to access it, whereas Queensland allows patients with MS, epilepsy, cancer, and HIV/AIDS to use cannabis for pain relief and treatment.
Wilson Security provides consistent services nationwide
As one of the leading names in security, we are dedicated to being the first line of defense for healthcare workers Australia-wide. Our jurisdiction does not differ between states – we provide consistent, exceptional security services for every hospital, mental health clinic, aged care facility, and general practice we team up with. With a commitment to putting the safety of staff, patients, and visitors at the forefront, our comprehensive range of security options is second to none. Our experts conduct risk assessments for healthcare providers to tailor a security plan best suited for their requirements.
View our blog terms and conditions here.
