The Greens party has launched its $9 billion national health package.
Greens Leader Christine Milne and Health Spokesperson Dr Richard Di Natale made the announcement in Canberra today.
Senator Milne said the package was designed to provide widespread public healthcare.
"In a caring society, every Australian should have the right to good quality healthcare," she said.
Under the plan, the Greens will invest $1.5 billion in Australian hospitals and an additional $1.1 billion to mental health services.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Funding will also go toward investing in regional and rural hospitals and in rural health workforces, services and infrastructure.
Senator Di Natale criticised the major parties’ health platforms and said the Greens were alone in striving for universal healthcare.
"The old parties are ignoring the major health challenges our country faces and they continue to take us ever closer towards a two-tiered American-style system," he said.
"Rising out-of-pocket costs in healthcare are making it harder for people to access treatment. The Greens have a strong commitment to universal health care and will reduce out-of-pocket costs by giving everyone access to Denticare and by investing in Medicare.
"Health policy shouldn’t just be about treating people when they get sick, it must be about helping people stay out of hospital. That’s why the Greens are showing leadership on preventative health with policies such as the Clean Air Act and restrictions on alcohol and junk food advertising."
