With the next federal election announced for 21 May 2022, now is an important time in Australian politics. This election provides the ACA, along with other allied health professions the opportunity to have our voices heard and reiterate the important role allied health plays in the Australian health system.
The ACA is seeking a commitment from political parties for government investment into chiropractic that allows all Australians fairer access to allied health.
As a member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), we have been supporting their ‘Fair Access to Allied Health for All’ election advocacy campaign. The campaign is calling on the public to make their vote count at the upcoming election and to help eliminate all suffering caused by the lack of access to allied health services across Australia.
AHPA has developed a range of resources, including information to inform voting choices, a digital kit for sharing on social media and an opportunity for those impacted by lack of access to allied health to tell their story. For more information and to get involved, visit ahpa.com.au/electioncampaign
The ACA has developed the below election statement to outline our key policy priorities that will be forwarded to all relevant stakeholders.
ACA Federal Election Statement
The 2022 Australian Federal election provides a critical platform to reiterate the need for the Australian government to support the whole health workforce, including allied health professions. In the lead-up to the 2022 federal election, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is urging all sides of politics to show true commitment to the standards of access and equity when considering issues affecting the health sector.
The Australian health system has been under considerable strain in recent years, compounded by the impacts of COVID-19. The federal government should be considering its current approach in delivering quality care and expanding the involvement of chiropractors and other allied health professions in responding to the growing burden of chronic disease.
We ask the Government to improve access to care that is affordable and equitable and provide information to the Australian public to improve functional health within capability.
Chiropractors offer high-quality, non-surgical, drug-free spinal healthcare, and lifestyle advice. This helps Australians lead and maintain healthy lives.
Our Core Values
- We believe in the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in all areas of research, education, and practice.
- We are committed to evidence-based practice, the integration of best available research evidence, clinical expertise and patient values.
- We believe in the profound significance and value of patient-centred chiropractic in healthcare in Australia.
Our Vision
More Australians value and experience chiropractic care for their health and wellbeing.
Our Purpose
To lead the chiropractic profession and support members in the provision of excellence in person-centred chiropractic healthcare.
Areas needing change
- Reform is needed within the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program. It is inadequate. Amendment of the CDM program to shift to an individual needs-based rather than a restricted number of services.
Inclusion of chiropractic care in the NDIS scheme. - Funding for rural and remote areas in Australia to attract and retain chiropractors and other allied health professions to these locations.
- Funding for research for chiropractors and other allied health professionals – chronic disease, musculoskeletal, etc.
- Development of a primary healthcare communication strategy for the distribution of information that impacts allied health professionals. For example, COVID-19 public health directions, etc.
Support for AHPA’s Federal Election Campaign
ACA supports the Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) election campaign: ‘Fairer access to allied health for all Australians: stop the suffering’.