❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses concerns about a potential funding gap in the health budget, questioning the government's plans to meet healthcare needs amidst rising costs and probing potential cuts, outsourcing, or privatization.
AnsweredQoN 505Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
The Reid report notes that health costs in recent years have been increasing at an average rate of 8.5 per cent per annum, whereas the Government has allocated a 5.2 per cent increase in health spending in the 2004-05 budget. (1) Does the Government agree with the Reid report that health costs increase at an average annual rate of 8.5 per cent? (2) How does the Government plan to meet the health care needs of Western Australians when there is likely to be a 3.3 per cent gap between the average increase in health costs and the budgeted amount for 2004-05? (3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY
AnswerView source ↗
I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(1) Does the Government agree with the Reid report that health costs increase at an average annual rate of 8.5 per cent? (2) How does the Government plan to meet the health care needs of Western Australians when there is likely to be a 3.3 per cent gap between the average increase in health costs and the budgeted amount for 2004-05? (3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(2) How does the Government plan to meet the health care needs of Western Australians when there is likely to be a 3.3 per cent gap between the average increase in health costs and the budgeted amount for 2004-05? (3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
7. Not applicable.
(1) Does the Government agree with the Reid report that health costs increase at an average annual rate of 8.5 per cent? (2) How does the Government plan to meet the health care needs of Western Australians when there is likely to be a 3.3 per cent gap between the average increase in health costs and the budgeted amount for 2004-05? (3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(2) How does the Government plan to meet the health care needs of Western Australians when there is likely to be a 3.3 per cent gap between the average increase in health costs and the budgeted amount for 2004-05? (3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(3) Given this 3.3 per cent gap in funding, what deficiencies in the health service will allow the Government to meet the health care needs of Western Australians within the 2004-05 budget? (4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(4) Are any cuts to health services, programs and staffing necessary to meet the shortfall? (5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(5) If yes to (4), what are the cuts and how much money will be saved? (6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(6) Are there plans to outsource or privatise any services offered by the Department of Health in the next financial year? (7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
(7) If yes to (6), will there be a thorough cost-benefit analysis that includes the social and economic impacts and will such an analysis be publicly available? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
I seek leave to have the answer to the question incorporated in Hansard . Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
Leave granted. The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
The following material was incorporated - I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
I thank the Hon. Member for some notice of this question. 1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
1. Yes. Expenditure growth has averaged 8.5% per annum over the past three years. This growth exceeded the long-term average growth rate of approximately 7.5% due to the Government’s necessary commitment to address such issues as the attraction and retention of nurses and clinical staff, including their remuneration. 2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
2. The forecast growth in expenditure in the current year, is 3.9%. The expected expenditure growth provided in the budget for 2004/05 is 5.4%. Consequently, there is no gap; in fact, the 2004/05 budget provides for increased expenditure growth on the current year. The projected outcome for 2003/04 is a balanced financial position. A balanced financial outcome has been achieved in conjunction with significant service improvements. Such service improvements include; the important areas of emergency departments, ambulance diversions are significantly down on last year, and waiting lists, where the Government’s additional $10M funding has significantly reduced the number of long wait list patients. In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams 3. The Government intends to deliver a similar financial outcome in 2004/05. This will be achieved through focusing on: priority health service areas; improved financial and FTE management, and accountability throughout the Department. 4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
In July last year, the Department of Health advised of a $136M budget risk. This position has now been addressed with strategies such as: · Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Imposing tighter staff recruitment controls, particularly in some administrative areas and improved staff management and reporting; · Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Reducing reliance on agency nurses and introducing a capping of fees for these staff; · Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Reviewing and reassessing all contract processes and arrangements with the Non Government Organisations - resulting in more than $9million of funding being redirected towards core health services; · The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· The strong focus on accountabilities of Health Services in the delivery of service within budgetary limits - this has been facilitated by changes to Health Services accountabilities, responsibilities and the introduction of clear, transparent and timely financial performance reporting; · Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Introducing procurement reforms; · Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
· Optimising Commonwealth Revenue streams
4. Health services are now finalising their Service and Financial plans for 2004/05. The Minister for Health expects that health services, programs, and staffing to be within the expenditure growth outlined in the answer to question 2. 5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
5. Not applicable. 6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
6. Apart from the current arrangements, the Department of Health has not advised the Minister for Health of any plans to outsource or privatise services in the next financial year. 7. Not applicable.
7. Not applicable.
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