WA Government’s third budget has been brought with a sense of success when they announced the state’s first surplus in 5 years.
The budget also brought an outstanding dedication to public health with $9.1 billion allotment for health service in 2019–20 and $6 billion for health infrastructure program that reflects a wider remit rather than last year’s hospital health spend.
Mental health is number 1 in the WA budget with a commitment of $942.1 million finance. This will fund alcohol, mental health, and other drug services in 2019–20 that is expected to increase to more than $1 billion by 2022–23.
Funding mental health includes expanding secure mental health unit at Fremantle Hospital. $2.3 million for rehabilitation facilities in the Kimberley region and $914,000 for alcohol and other drug education for Aboriginal employees via the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Program.
Palliative care received an increase with $41 million to be given to end-of-life choices and palliative care package all over the state which includes 38 beds for residential aged and palliative care equipment in Carnarvon.
The Government will also administer $1.3 billion to the WA New Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.
Western Australia hospitals are still be receiving an expected $6.7 billion allotted for hospital services in 2019–20, redevelopment funding for Royal Perth Hospital of $22.7 million for intensive care unit, and $3.3 million for King Edward Memorial Hospital start relocation planning.
