HEALTH BUDGET
440. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
I refer to the media release of 8
August 2021 outlining the government's announcement of $1.9 billion to
be added to the health budget in the upcoming state budget.
(1) How many of
the 332 new beds to be opened in Western Australia will be housed in existing
buildings and how many will be in as yet unbuilt wards?
(2) How many of the new 332 beds
will come from currently existing but unstaffed beds or wards?
(3) How many of
the 100 new doctor and 500 new nurse positions will be permanent full-time
positions?
(4) What will be
the annual budget impact of the additional wages of those additional staff and
new beds?
(5) Will this
additional wage cost continue past the next election when the government's
iron ore revenue is expected to correct to normal long run levels?
(6) If yes to (5), what savings
will the government make to cover the additional annual costs?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the Leader of the
Opposition for some notice of the question. The following answer has been
provided to me by the Treasurer.
The honourable member should put
this question on notice to the Minister for Health.