The MUCHE Health Report 2020: Analysis of the 2020-2021 Federal Budget

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all corners of our economy and society. Never before has our generation faced such a fundamental threat to our livelihoods and our loved ones.
With a vaccine on the horizon, the Australian Government must now navigate the economy out of recession. Our health and aged care systems must also respond to the continuing threat of COVID-19 strategically and combat increased mental ill health efficiently.
The 2020-21 Federal Budget's primary objective is economic recovery, and will undoubtedly continue to guide many areas of spending beyond.
It is also the most critical Federal Budget for health and aged care ever seen.
With imminent major reforms in aged care and mental health, greater embrace of telehealth in primary care, and a private health insurance sector unable to arrest a decline in membership among young Australians, the 2020-21 Federal Budget may be the central tipping point in health and aged care for years to come.