Cuts that may seem innocuous may have broad-reaching consequences.
We are eagerly awaiting the federal Budget in a few weeks’ time.
As we’re living in a tense fiscal climate, it won’t surprise many to see cuts and rationalisation feature strongly in this year’s budget.
Recently, former deputy chief medical officer of the Commonwealth, Dr Nick Coatsworth, drew the ire of health commentators after suggesting that it is unfair to spend billions on the NDIS, which services 800,000 people, when people who have paid tax all their lives find it hard to access aged care in Australia.
It was interpreted as an endorsement of a hierarchical system of deservedness, based on how much tax someone has contributed to the public purse over the course of their life.
The comment was rightfully lambasted, but to give him the benefit of the doubt, I wager (or hope) he didn’t mean it that way. But such are the analyses that will inevitably be made in the lead-up to a budget that will most likely rob Peter to pay Paul.
It is counter-intuitive that it should be so. After all, we have a small population living on a resource-rich land.
Whatever happens, our hope is that the Budget eschews short-termism and keeps true to our long-term goals, particularly in health. Cuts that may seem innocuous may have broad-reaching consequences.
The AIDH made a strong statement against job cuts at the CSIRO.
In a time of global instability and an uncertain geopolitical climate in which traditional alliances are tested, sovereign science and research capability seems more important than ever. The CSIRO has been a source of national pride, an exemplar of scientific endeavour, and to see it subjected to comprehensive culling is disheartening.
There is already evidence of belt-tightening in digital health in anticipation of a frugal federal budget.
Related
The Capability Action Plan, the nation’s blueprint for lifting digital capability in the health and care workforces, faces an uncertain future. As we’ve said before, without a capable workforce to participate in, shape and drive a connected care system, all our other investments in digital health will be compromised.
Pleasingly, with the support of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Digital Health CRC, the AIDH has begun developing a Clinical Informatics Fellowship.
The Fellowship would offer a rigorous program of academic study alongside on-the-job training and mentoring to help digital health professionals achieve mastery in the field. Those wearing the eventual credential will be recognised as the architects and leaders of digital health in our region. The Fellowship will fill a void in Australia’s current skill and capability offer.
In other news, our policy and advocacy team will soon be running member-only webinars to discuss the 2026-2027 federal budget and its implications, and also AIDH policy and advocacy work. If you’re interested in keeping abreast of AIDH policy and advocacy work and the current political landscape, you can register here.
Finally, HIC2026 planning is almost complete, with a stellar line-up of speakers from Australia and beyond. Secure your ticket before 30 May if you want to make use of early-bird pricing. I hope to see you in Sydney on 3 and 4 August.
Anja Nikolic is the CEO of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health.