Policy update

RCNA maintains lobbying momentum through the federal government election 2010.

Following a frenetic federal government election campaign, RCNA has continued concentrated lobbying efforts to ensure greater recognition and engagement of nurses in health planning and reform.

This included targeted post-election letters to Mr Bob Katter, Mr Tony Windsor, Mr Robert Oakeshott, Mr Andrew Wilkie, Mr Adam Brandt and Mr Tony Crook urging for health care discussions to become more predominate in post-election negotiations than had occurred throughout the election campaign.

RCNA’s extensive lobbying efforts, directed at the influential key independents and major parties, reflected on the need for well-focussed, nationally pursued strategies to address the many and complex issues challenging our health care system. RCNA addressed the need for a strong action plan that encompasses and commits to principles of:
* system-wide health care reform
* a patient-centred, health promotion and preventative approach to health care that capitalises on the central role of nursing across the health system
* making better use of the skills of all health professionals and reducing dependence on general practice
* maximising the expertise of the nursing profession, which, as the predominant health profession across the health sector, is currently significantly underutilised
* enhancement and expansion of the community and primary health care roles of nurses that sit outside of general practice.

RCNA reaffirmed its key election priorities outlining actions required to bring about genuine and effective reform for our health care system.

Upon the return of the Gillard government, RCNA recommends that the momentum for reform be maintained and that the implementation of a carefully considered health reform plan remain a key priority of government.

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