On Thursday 9th May the Cook Labor Government presented the 2024-25 WA State Budget.
Injury Matters congratulates the Cook Government on its commitment to improving WA’s healthcare system, providing resources for priority population groups and its recognition of the need to make investments today that will support the future growth of our population. However, we do note the need to significantly increase the investment in injury prevention activities in order to reduce the burden of injury in WA.
The budget outlines funding for several initiatives to support injury prevention and recovery activities across the state.
A key inclusion within the budget is a record $3.2 billion investment in WA’s health and mental health to boost hospital capacity, support the health workforce and improve patient access to care. Within this investment is;
- $405.5 million for regional healthcare services,
- $260 million for mental health, alcohol and other drug services,
- $155 million for initiatives to improve emergency access and reduce ambulance ramping,
- $92.5 million of additional funding for health system support services, and
- $12 million for the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program providing mental health support in five communities.
Given the current epidemic that is violence against women, the $96.4 million to support family and domestic violence initiatives is also an important pillar of the budget. This funding is a step in the right direction, including;
- $53.8 million for Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams,
- $14.2 million to fund the operations of a new FDV One Stop Hub in the Perth Metropolitan area,
- $6.2 million to establish a dedicated organisation that will support and develop FDV informed workforces,
- $4 million over two years on a Public Awareness Campaign,
- $4 million to expand two rapid rehousing programs and deliver emergency accommodation in the Goldfields, and
- $585,500 to develop legislative reforms to criminalise coercive control.
Some additional injury prevention and recovery investments include;
- $107.2 million for Main Roads’ deliver of the Regional Road Safety Program.
- $92 million to support more than 120 critical homelessness services across the State.
- $30 million to strengthen regional bushfire management.
- $17 million to support the overhaul of firearms laws.
- $13 million to extend the Heavy Vehicle Driver training program in the South West.
- $9 million to support WA’s essential volunteer emergency services.
- $8.8 million for programs that support Western Australian seniors.
- $8 million for the Driver Access and Equity Program.
- $3 million for swimming and water safety programs.
Despite the dedicated investment in the above initiatives, overall the budget is focused on providing acute level investment to meet our population growth’s needs and neglectes to prioritise prevention and early intervention. The majority of the health-related resourcing is in response to the pressure currently on the tertiary healthcare system and therefore Injury Matters calls on the WA Government to increase the funding for prevention initiatives.
In order to achieve long-term reductions in the incidence of injury in WA increased investment in prevention focused programs, preventative healthcare and early intervention services must become a priority. Due to the cost-saving nature of evidence-informed prevention initiatives, injury prevention initiatives present significant value for money for the Government, whilst most importantly improving the lives of the Western Australian community.
Given the rising number of injuries in Western Australia, Injury Matters advocates for a significant increase in injury prevention and recovery initiatives in order to create a safer WA.
Click here to access the 2024-25 State Budget Papers or explore the fact sheets on various injury-related topics developed by WACOSS below.