Health
Access to comprehensive, high quality health care is a basic human right. The Greens believe that a public health system is the best way to deliver health services. Governments should be responsible for ensuring that all people have access to the resources and opportunities essential for good health. Individual health outcomes are influenced by biological, social, economic and environment factors and these must be addressed as part of a comprehensive health care system. The importance of preventative health services must be given higher priority.
Giz has supported Australia’s most advanced anti-smoking legislation through Parliament, which has helped lower the national smoking rate to 16.6% (daily smokers). She has advocated for the recognition of multiple chemical sensitivity as a disease and an issue requiring urgent action. Giz also has spoken out in favour of voluntary euthanasia.
She also raised concerns through statements, letters and questions in Parliament regarding:
- Complaints to the Office of Health Review
- effective alcohol and drug harm minimisation strategies, especially a Kimberley Alcohol Management Plan and alcohol restrictions in Northbridge
- environmental health concerns concerning the Gingin Meatworks and the Dalyellup Waste Residue Disposal Facility
- health risks of uranium mining and transport of nuclear waste
- health risks for prisoners during prisoner transport especially in remote WA
- health risks through genetically modified crops through moving and supporting two GM disallowance motions
Giz also has exposed the lack of mental health services in the Perth metropolitan region through questions, letters to the Minister and motions in Parliament. She wants to see urgently needed additional mental health services provided through community organisations and the government.
Picture: At the launch of the report, ‘What Women Want,’ Women’s Healthworks Joondalup (February 2012).
More information:
- Department of Environment and Conservation - Air Quality Forum – 15 March 2012
- Mental health is part of the portfolio of Greens MLC Alison Xamon.
- Senator Scott Ludlam - media release on the health risk of uranium mining, 22 October 2011.
- WA Greens – Health Policy
