NSW parties clash on health and bail reform ahead of March election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 21:43 · Archive

NSW's Labor government and opposition coalition are making contrasting election pledges on healthcare and criminal justice ahead of polls in March.

NSW's two major parties are pursuing opposing campaign strategies ahead of the state election in March, focusing respectively on healthcare and criminal justice reform.

The Labor government announced plans to deliver a new 'hospital-level' care service in homes across the state. The scheme would treat an estimated 76,000 patients per year with complex health needs at home rather than in overcrowded emergency departments, easing strain on hospitals. Premier Chris Minns said the initiative would free up the equivalent of 700 hospital beds. 'For patients recovering from surgery or managing serious health conditions, being able to receive hospital-level care at home can make a real difference,' he said.

Fred Betros, president of the NSW branch of the Australian Medical Association, welcomed the 'outside the box' thinking but cautioned it would not solve all problems. 'We must also ensure it does not replace the need to properly staff our public hospitals for patients needing acute care,' he said, calling for a NSW Medical Workforce Plan adding at least 1,000 net new senior doctor positions over four years.

Meanwhile, the coalition is focusing its campaign on bail reform, hoping to capitalise on public concerns about the criminal justice system.

How it is being reported

• Health or bail reform: paths to election glory mappedThe two major parties in one state are testing whether electoral success comes from clearing hospital waiting rooms or filling up prison remand wings.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 21:18
• Health or bail reform: paths to election glory mappedThe two major parties in one state are testing whether electoral success comes from clearing hospital waiting rooms or filling up prison remand wings.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 21:18

In this story: NSW · Chris Minns · Fred Betros · Labor · Australian Medical Association

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