Canberra Liberals: Elective surgeries

The Canberra Liberals have pledged to deliver 70,000 elective surgeries in the next term of government by partnering with a private provider, who would deliver at least 10,000 additional elective surgeries. The Liberals would also work with Canberra Health Services (CHS).

Opposition leader Elizabeth Lee said that this partnership would reduce elective surgery waitlists “much quicker than what we are seeing currently under Labor and the Greens”.

“The Labor Party have failed to meet their target of 60,400 elective surgeries promised at the last election, and, as a result, Canberrans in pain are languishing on waiting lists,” Ms Lee said.

Elective surgery waitlists in the ACT have increased by 30 per cent since September 2022, and more than 8,800 Canberrans are waiting for their operations, according to figures CHS released earlier this year to shadow health minister Leanne Castley. 30 per cent of patients (more than 2,200) were waiting longer than clinically recommended, up from 23 per cent in 2022.

“Delayed or cancelled elective surgery procedures mean that some Canberrans are in pain, unable to work, and risk their condition deteriorating while they wait, placing even more pressure on strained emergency departments,” Ms Castley said.

The ACT Government has defended its record, citing setbacks like COVID-19, a fire at Calvary Public Hospital, and the implementation of the Digital Health Record system. This year, the government budgeted $52.7 million to deliver 60,000 elective surgeries over four years and to expand operating theatre capacity in public health services.

The Liberals say that the government’s approach of outsourcing surgeries on an ad hoc basis is inefficient and costlier than a contract with a private provider. The Liberals would instead ensure any contract with a private provider met patient outcomes and performance targets, and identify patients most in need of elective surgeries.

Independents for Canberra welcomed the Canberra Liberals’ announcement, which leader Thomas Emerson said backed their recent commitment to clear 75 per cent of the elective surgery waitlist within a year by partnering with a private provider.

“All parties and candidates should support these calls for an elective surgery ‘blitz’,” Mr Emerson said.

“We have some of the longest surgery wait times in the country and they have doubled in the last two decades. People in our community are suffering debilitating pain while waiting for vital operations. It’s time to commit ourselves to building a health system that doesn’t keep you waiting.”

The ACT Greens also want to speed up the delivery of elective surgery to people in Canberra, and would look at ways to increase capacity to deliver those if re-elected, health spokeswoman Emma Davidson said.

“The ACT Greens are focused on preventative health to support people earlier in their health journey and reduce the need for surgeries in the first place. We will do this with free GP visits, help GPs specialise to better support chronic health conditions and ensure continuity of care – where you can see a primary doctor, so don’t have to explain yourself over and over again, and get the best possible support tailored to your individual needs.”

ACT Greens: Bike network

The ACT Greens plan to create a city-wide off-road bike network by 2030, aimed at making cycling a safer and more practical transport option.

Jo Clay MLA, spokeswoman for transport, active travel and road safety, said that Canberra was built for cars, and many cyclists have to ride on the road and rely on painted bike lanes.

“Paint is not infrastructure, and these lines provide little to no real safety,” Ms Clay said. “The danger of riding on the road discourages many from getting on the bike, particularly women and children. 

“Our plan focuses on off-road bike paths, giving real safety for anyone who wants to cycle.”

The plan includes a $5 million fund for 10,000 rebates of $500 on e-bikes. Laura Nuttall, Greens spokeswoman for young people, said this would benefit young people and renters.

The Greens also propose increasing bike parking and storage facilities at ACT Government workplaces, schools, town centres and bus stops.

Canberra Liberals: Seniors

The Canberra Liberals have announced measures to support seniors in the ACT, recognising that one-sixth of the population is over the age of 65.

The Liberals would increase funding for the annual Seniors Expo and Seniors Grant Program by 50 per cent, and introduce a Community Consultation Forum to give voice to older Canberrans, Nicole Lawder, shadow minister for seniors, said.

They would introduce free public transport for seniors and concession card holders, offer a $100 registration rebate for passenger vehicles and caravans, and parking relief near Seniors facilities.

The Liberals also plan to improve street safety with better lighting and footpaths, introduce a nutrition program for seniors, and install exercise equipment in public spaces.