Treasurer Jim Chalmers' fourth budget locks in welcome Medicare investments but falls short of significant reform.
The AMA welcomes the significant Medicare investments that have been locked in with the federal government's latest budget.
However, it falls short of the significant reforms that are needed to ensure Australia's health system doesn't fall further into crisis.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen was on the Hill on Tuesday night to watch Treasurer Jim Chalmers hand down his fourth budget.
Dr McMullen said it was reassuring to see the additional $8.5 billion for Medicare that was promised by both major parties confirmed in the budget, together with funding to address GP workforce issues and medical workforce shortages.
"This investment followed years of campaigning through our Modernise Medicare campaign which highlighted the long-term neglect of Medicare and consequences of that neglect on our health system," Dr McMullen said.
"But while this investment will help address affordability issues for many who don't currently qualify for bulk billing incentives, structural reform of Medicare rebates is needed to ensure today's patients get the care they need."
Dr McMullen also welcomed the federal government's top-up investment in public hospitals but urged all governments to get back to the table after the May election and negotiate an updated National Health Reform Agreement.
She also said the budget was a missed opportunity to implement a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to tackle the nation's obesity crisis.
"Tonight, we saw a budget, but there's an election around the corner, and the AMA's focus will be squarely on achieving the reforms we need to continue to have a strong health system in Australia," Dr McMullen told the press on Tuesday night.
