Independent candidate for Monash Deb Leonard commits to improving health and aged care.
Independent candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard has announced her detailed plan to address the critical health and aged care needs of the Monash community. As an independent voice in Parliament, Deb is committed to fighting for Monash's fair share of funding to improve these essential facilities and services.
"Our community has been left behind when it comes to health and aged care," said Deb.
“As your representative, I will work tirelessly to improve access to healthcare services, tackle our mental health crisis head-on and support our aging population in Monash.”
To improve access to healthcare services, Deb will advocate for lowering health costs by expanding the Medicare safety net, reducing wait times for appointments, ensuring accessible specialist services across Monash, funding affordable transport to city appointments, focusing on preventative health measures, and building the new West Gippsland Hospital.
Recognising the urgent need to address Monash's mental health crisis, Deb will fight to secure acute mental health beds, expand outpatient services and step-up step-down facilities, increase Medicare-covered mental health sessions, fund suicide prevention and support programs, and support community groups that foster social connection.
"There are currently no acute mental health beds in all of Monash," said Deb.
"We also need accessible youth mental health facilities in our town centres like Warragul, Moe and Leongatha. Too many in our community have been rocked by suicide – we deserve better."
Deb is also dedicated to supporting Monash's ageing population by expanding local aged-care facilities, increasing and improving home care packages, and simplifying the My Aged Care system.
Crucially, Deb has committed to securing the $40 million in funding needed for the Woorayl Lodge Aged Care in Leongatha to increase its capacity and deliver essential aged care services to the community.
"As an independent, my sole focus is on delivering the best outcomes for the people of Monash," said Deb.
"Together, we can ensure that our community receives health and aged care services it deserves."