Australian Politics General...

[SirRumpole]

.
The analysis of either party stays true whether the party is in government or not.
Mick

Well, yes it does. Labor was formed from the unions, Liberal generally from business, what's new ?

Both sides need to attract a wider cross section of the community, their primary votes have both been dropping and there is a great number of disenfranchised and disillusioned voters out there.

 

[sptrawler]

Some of the sacred cows are getting long needed attention, IMO this is the good thing with having basically two major political parties, fairly closely aligned to the middle ground, one party tweaks it one way the other tweaks it the other and we end up with a pretty good outcome IMO.
Nothings perfect but IMO Australia pretty well nails it.
If the coalition mention anything regarding medicare, it is a perceived attack, when in reality it will need changing and adapting as more and more people are dropping out of private health, which just bogs down the public system.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/health/anthony-albanese-says-outdated-medicare-needs-urgent-shake-up/news-story/fd3d49b2ab7f0e136cbd0df058f01673

Health Minister Mark Butler told The Australian the system was in “real trouble”.

He said the system was stuck in the 1980s and 1990s, and no longer made sense.

Rising gap fees means experts and the government alike fear that without serious reform, access to primary healthcare would become out of reach of millions of Australians.

“We need doctors working hand in glove with practice nurses, allied health professionals and pharmacists,” Mr Butler said.

 

[wayneL]

Some of the sacred cows are getting long needed attention, IMO this is the good thing with having basically two major political parties, fairly closely aligned to the middle ground, one party tweaks it one way the other tweaks it the other and we end up with a pretty good outcome IMO.
Nothings perfect but IMO Australia pretty well nails it.
If the coalition mention anything regarding medicare, it is a perceived attack, when in reality it will need changing and adapting as more and more people are dropping out of private health, which just bogs down the public system.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/health/anthony-albanese-says-outdated-medicare-needs-urgent-shake-up/news-story/fd3d49b2ab7f0e136cbd0df058f01673

Health Minister Mark Butler told The Australian the system was in “real trouble”.

He said the system was stuck in the 1980s and 1990s, and no longer made sense.

Rising gap fees means experts and the government alike fear that without serious reform, access to primary healthcare would become out of reach of millions of Australians.

“We need doctors working hand in glove with practice nurses, allied health professionals and pharmacists,” Mr Butler said.

Making the right noises, just hope they don't balls it up.

 

[sptrawler]

Making the right noises, just hope they don't balls it up.

Well that's the down side, of not having an aptitude test for politicians. ?

 

[SirRumpole]

Rising gap fees means experts and the government alike fear that without serious reform, access to primary healthcare would become out of reach of millions of Australians.

All very well talking about 'reforms' , but that needs to be quantified.

What do they want to do ? Why ? How will it help the general consumer ? How much will it cost and are there any 'losers' ?

 

[sptrawler]

All very well talking about 'reforms' , but that needs to be quantified.

What do they want to do ? Why ? How will it help the general consumer ? How much will it cost and are there any 'losers' ?

The government is considering rolling out a “blended” funding system, given the current system of subsidised individual consultations through GPs alone is no longer fit for purpose.

The new model would also fund nurses and allied health practitioners working in teams to deliver complex care.

Ms Plibersek said there were a “lot of highly skilled people” working across the healthcare system, and should be tapped in to.

The details of the new funding model are yet to be finalised.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese says outdated Medicare needs ‘urgent shake up’

 

[SirRumpole]

The government is considering rolling out a “blended” funding system, given the current system of subsidised individual consultations through GPs alone is no longer fit for purpose.

The new model would also fund nurses and allied health practitioners working in teams to deliver complex care.

Ms Plibersek said there were a “lot of highly skilled people” working across the healthcare system, and should be tapped in to.

The details of the new funding model are yet to be finalised.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese says outdated Medicare needs ‘urgent shake up’

I'll give one example, if I see my GP personally I am bulk billed and pay nothing.

If I have a 5 minute phone consultation, it's not covered by Medicare and I pay $30.

Given that tele health is going to become a bigger part of the picture, maybe that needs to be looked at.

 

[wayneL]

Notwithstanding that the UK NHS is an absolute basket case, an interesting thing my wife noticed over there recently was the promotion of healthier lifestyles and diet.

It's pretty obvious to me that a great percentage of cases that end up in hospital are pretty much self-inflicted through bad diet and lifestyle.

We've done it to a certain extent with the discouraging of smoking, that's so many other things could be avoided, type 2 diabetes as an example.

As pointed out in the article so much of our EDs are clogged up with trivial matters that could easily be treated in a doctor's office or a nurse or a pharmacist.

Also recent experience with the hospital system (end of life scenario that never needed to be) has left both Mrs wayneL and myself absolutely apoplectic about the standard of care given (WA).

So I'm all for reform and I give kudos to Labor in this instance... But once again, I hope they don't screw it up as governments and bureaucracies tend to do.

 

[Sean K]

The doctor marfia are extremely strong in Australia. There's no reason why we couldn't have more doctors with good bedside manners in the country if we created more uni positions and lowered the year 12 score to let more in. But, they will be very unlikely to give up their grip of power over the health system and their $200 for 15 min appointments.

 

[wayneL]

The doctor marfia are extremely strong in Australia. There's no reason why we couldn't have more doctors with good bedside manners in the country if we created more uni positions and lowered the year 12 score to let more in. But, they will be very unlikely to give up their grip of power over the health system and their $200 for 15 min appointments.

Mrs and I being vert healthy we have very little contact with the medical fraternity (thank God). But in my job I have heaps and heaps of contact with the veterinary community.

In my opinion the issues are very similar. A very high new 12 score is required to get into vet (I believe it might be be even higher than medicine). I get to see many of the students because I do few lectures on hoof pathologies, practical considerations and vet/ farrier collaboration.

What I see are students that are very intellectual, but completely unprepared for the animal psychology and rigours of large animal practise.

Ever tried to take off a horseshoe, or jug a feral thoroughbred singularly uninterested in you doing so?

Likewise, in my experience there are many doctors (and nurses) who should not even be around people, their bedside manner absolutely appalling.

In our family members case so many basic things were either completely missed or ignored, such as a critical level of dehydration. My wife basically had to crack heads to get a saline drip put in. Fkn disgusting.

Another example, the patient was noted as being lactose intolerant... Which was completely missed.

Anyway going on a little bit of a disparate rant, but yeah that system of selecting doctor candidates needs to be fundamentally changed.

 

[SirRumpole]

It's pretty obvious to me that a great percentage of cases that end up in hospital are pretty much self-inflicted through bad diet and lifestyle.

Well there have been attempts to place some sort of tax or restrictions on such things as salt , sugar and fatty food but the vested interests have always managed to block any 'reforms'.

Either we get serious about preventive medicine or we get progressively unhealthier and more expensive to run, like old cars.

 

[Sean K]

Mrs and I being vert healthy we have very little contact with the medical fraternity (thank God). But in my job I have heaps and heaps of contact with the veterinary community.

In my opinion the issues are very similar. A very high new 12 score is required to get into vet (I believe it might be be even higher than medicine). I get to see many of the students because I do few lectures on hoof pathologies, practical considerations and vet/ farrier collaboration.

What I see are students that are very intellectual, but completely unprepared for the animal psychology and rigours of large animal practise.

Ever tried to take off a horseshoe, or jug a feral thoroughbred singularly uninterested in you doing so?

Likewise, in my experience there are many doctors (and nurses) who should not even be around people, their bedside manner absolutely appalling.

In our family members case so many basic things were either completely missed or ignored, such as a critical level of dehydration. My wife basically had to crack heads to get a saline drip put in. Fkn disgusting.

Another example, the patient was noted as being lactose intolerant... Which was completely missed.

Anyway going on a little bit of a disparate rant, but yeah that system of selecting doctor candidates needs to be fundamentally changed.

I've met lots of Vets through looking after my Moodle, but also many Army Vets who I would actually prefer to have as a GP than many medical doctors I've met. They seem to be more compassionate and in it for the right reasons. Plus, having Vets in an Army hospital is very good for morale when they walk their patients through the wards.

 

[wayneL]

Well there have been attempts to place some sort of tax or restrictions on such things as salt , sugar and fatty food but the vested interests have always managed to block any 'reforms'.

Either we get serious about preventive medicine or we get progressively unhealthier and more expensive to run, like old cars.

This is actually what I find interesting in that many of the accepted dietary norms are incorrect and in place because of commercial interests. (Irrespective of the arguement between meat eating and vegetarianism/veganism).

An example, seed oils. They are really bad sh*t and no person should consume those things.... but there is a massive commercial imperative to keep people consuming them.

 

[wayneL]

I've met lots of Vets through looking after my Moodle, but also many Army Vets who I would actually prefer to have as a GP than many medical doctors I've met. They seem to be more compassionate and in it for the right reasons. Plus, having Vets in an Army hospital is very good for morale when they walk their patients through the wards.

As you know, civvie vs army medicine is chalk and cheese.

I have a backlog of stories my father told me from World war 2. Yes a bloody long time ago, but your comments strike a chord with me.

 

[sptrawler]

The Government should be starting to get some statistics, on the effect of abolishing the welfare card, I wonder if they will be published?

24 August 2022

Crime increased in areas trialling cashless debit card programs, government analysis suggests

Coalition claims scrapping cards could lead to ‘tsunami of trauma’ but federal department analysis of available data paints a different picture

www.theguardian.com

Crime rates have increased or remained steady in regions hosting cashless debit card programs, according to the department of social services, as the Albanese government prepares to abolish the controversial welfare program within weeks.

Critics of the government’s decision have claimed the card’s axing would increase crime and alcohol abuse, but the department has claimed its analysis of police data has shown total crime rates, assault and property damage have gone up in areas where the income management tool was being trialled.


Labor promised during the election campaign to abolish the cashless debit card, which quarantines between 30% and 80% of welfare payments and was designed to prevent money being withdrawn as cash or used to pay for alcohol or gambling.

Alice Springs mayor shares 'worrying' reality as cashless debit card scrapped

The Mayor of Alice Springs is warning of the consequences of scrapping the cashless welfare card. The card prevented up to 80 per cent of welfare money from being used on alcohol and gambling. Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson told Ben Fordham the decision is a political one. “This is not going...

www.2gb.com

 

[sptrawler]

Alice Springs today 24/January/ 2023, five months later.
Sounds like the local voices, fell on deaf ears.

Alice Springs mayor calls for Australian Defence Force to help with outback town's ongoing crime crisis

A police operation to stamp out crime in the Central Australian town has seen more than 300 people arrested since November – but mayor Matt Paterson says it's not enough.

www.abc.net.au

NT government issues ultimatum to alcohol retailers amid Alice Springs crime wave

Northern Territory police minister warns businesses to self-regulate or authorities will toughen laws to help curb rising street crime and family violence

www.theguardian.com

Prime minister visits Alice Springs amid pressure over alcohol-fuelled crime crisis

Anthony Albanese will join Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles on the trip, after days of pressure from the federal opposition and national media.

www.abc.net.au

Burney, Dodson to join Albanese in crime-plagued Alice Springs

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy is also visiting the town, where dramatically rising crime rates and alcohol consumption are fuelling a social crisis.

www.smh.com.au

 

[SirRumpole]

Alice Springs today 24/January/ 2023, five months later.
Sounds like the local voices, fell on deaf ears.

Alice Springs mayor calls for Australian Defence Force to help with outback town's ongoing crime crisis

A police operation to stamp out crime in the Central Australian town has seen more than 300 people arrested since November – but mayor Matt Paterson says it's not enough.

www.abc.net.au

NT government issues ultimatum to alcohol retailers amid Alice Springs crime wave

Northern Territory police minister warns businesses to self-regulate or authorities will toughen laws to help curb rising street crime and family violence

www.theguardian.com

Prime minister visits Alice Springs amid pressure over alcohol-fuelled crime crisis

Anthony Albanese will join Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles on the trip, after days of pressure from the federal opposition and national media.

www.abc.net.au

Burney, Dodson to join Albanese in crime-plagued Alice Springs

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy is also visiting the town, where dramatically rising crime rates and alcohol consumption are fuelling a social crisis.

www.smh.com.au

Very sad.

I wonder if such things have helped or harmed the case for The Voice.

 

[sptrawler]

Very sad.

I wonder if such things have helped or harmed the case for The Voice.

Well going on what is happening in country W.A, Alice Springs isn't alone with the issues.
The fortunate thing for the 'voice' is, most of the voters are spread from Adelaide around the coast to Brisbane, so they don't have to live with a lot of the social issues attached to the 'voice'.
It's a shame that all the think tanks and social agendas are formulated by elites who live in the SW corner of the Eastern States, where most Australians can't afford to live. ?
Hopefully some of the entourage that go to Alice Springs, can do an incognito walk around town after dark and witness first hand what locals have to live with, but i doubt that will happen. IMO it will probably just be a PR visit, talk fest, group hug a nice meal at Lassiters casino, then back on the jet to Sydney, Canberra.?
At least it is a Tuesday, so they haven't had to stuff up a weekend.

Why this Australian city is banning goon bags from being sold

One Aussie coastal city has cracked down on cask wine from being sold after it was blamed for a major problem in the community.

7news.com.au

Watch: WA cops issue SOS after allegedly stolen car rams police vehicle

Police in remote and regional WA have pleaded for help amid a growing trend of teenagers who are turning road pursuits on them.

7news.com.au

 

[sptrawler]

Very sad.

I wonder if such things have helped or harmed the case for The Voice.

Maybe the bigger question is, was the welfare card actually doing the right thing?
Anecdotal evidence would say it was starting to gain traction, but as is the way, the opposite side has to dismantle it, neither side can say look maybe we were a bit hasty and need to have a re think.
Both sides of politics have the same attitude and that is why we end up having one step forward and two steps back, all the time.
Australian tribal politics 101, "if we didn't introduce it, it has to be wrong". ?
I know someone close to me was on the welfare card and it turned his and his partners life around, well it helped them get off the drugs and they freely admit it.

 

[SirRumpole]

Maybe the bigger question is, was the welfare card actually doing the right thing?
Anecdotal evidence would say it was starting to gain traction, but as is the way, the opposite side has to dismantle it, neither side can say look maybe we were a bit hasty and need to have a re think.
Both sides of politics have the same attitude and that is why we end up having one step forward and two steps back, all the time.
I know someone close to me was on the welfare card and it turned his and his partners life around, well it helped them get off the drugs and they freely admit it.

Maybe a complete ban on alcohol in the troubled areas would have an effect, but then the grog floggers would object so that rules that out.