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There is no shortage of commentary on the pressures facing our health system. Most of it is accurate and much of it has been said before. So what do we do? We can either continue to commentate on the decline, or we can collectively take action to build a different future. My focus for that future is built on three clear foundations.

First, access to healthcare must be universal and timely, not based on postcode, income or chance. Whether it’s a parent waiting months for their child’s mental health appointment, or an elderly patient ramped for hours outside an overstretched emergency department, our system is failing too many. We must increase hospital capacity, actively work and campaign to close the gap for Indigenous Australians, and deliver mental health support that meets demand, not just reacts to crisis. Healthcare delayed is healthcare denied, and that must change.

Second, we must strengthen our medical workforce. We need more medical student places. More structured and supported training pathways. Better pay and safer working conditions for junior doctors. WA cannot afford to keep losing talent to burnout, bureaucracy, or better offers elsewhere. If we want a strong, stable health system, we must value the people who hold it up.

Finally, we must prioritise prevention. That means investing in public health. It means funding early intervention for mental health, cracking down on vaping and alcohol harm, and acting on the health impacts of climate change.

These are not fringe issues. They are front and centre in the AMA (WA)’s 2025 Election Priorities. And as President, I will use every opportunity in the media, in front of our politicians, and in partnership with our members, to push for meaningful action.

My goal is to work towards a future where every Western Australian can access high-quality medical care when they need it, from a workforce that is valued and supported.

We don’t need more spin. We need action.

I’m ready to get to work.