YEAR 12 WEBQUEST TASK

Introduction:

Health is always a hot topic for debate when it comes to Election time. Have you ever noticed that no political party ever really reveals what it thinks, or any specific plans they have for health before being elected? It is time that this situation changes.

The Task:

You are to write a campaign speech for a major political party that presents your party views on health in Australia – now and in the future. You will present your speech to your electorate (class) in order to persuade them to vote for your party. They will want to do this when they hear your insightful views on the issue.

Task Option: Current Events

You may want to use the campaign and related current events to make your speech more specific and timely. Below are some suggestion. Note: you do not have to take this option.

Nursing Work stoppage

• Nurses will defy AIRC order to stop work bans
• Fund Nursing properly

Federal Government takeover of hospitals

• Rudd announces hospital takeover plan
• PM goads states with hospital takeover

Federal Government Intervention in the Northern Territory

• Why the current intervention in the Northern Territory will not protect Aboriginal and Islander children
• The Little Children are Sacred Report
• Indigenous child abuse a national disgrace, says Brough

Oversight for foreign-trained doctors

• Overseas tests plan for foreign-trained doctors
• Health scandal sparks second foreign trained doctor complaint

The Process:

In order to begin your campaign speech, it is necessary for you to form a complete picture of the status of health in Australia today. You will need to find current statistics that might include;

• Life expectancy rates, morbidity, mortality and infant mortality rates
• Any inequalities that exist in the health status of Australians
• The current areas of priority within Australia
• The status of our health care system at present
• Our current budget for health care in Australia

Once you have this background information, you can analyse it to determine what changes need to be made. Traditionally politicians have worried a lot about short term results (they only get a four year term!), but you may wish to focus more on long term results. Ensure that you can convince your electorate that the changes you suggest are possible – where are you planning to get the finance for your suggestions? What makes you think your suggestions will have a positive impact on health care in Australia?

You can use any resources that you wish to assist with your campaign speech (e.g. powerpoint presentation). Your speech is to last no longer than 10 minutes. Hand a copy of your speech to your current Prime Minister (teacher) on the day of your presentation.

Resources:

You should use a variety of resources that are accessible to you. These may include print articles, journals, websites, books or pamphlets. Specific websites that may be useful include:

The Health Status of Australians

• The Australian Bureau of Statistics – Check here for the latest statistics on Australia’s health.
• The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Contains information and reports on a variety of Australian health related topics.
• ActNow – Health – use this as a main resource – Choose an issue then look under the “More” section in the right sidebar
  

Australian Political Speeches

• John Howard’s political speeches – from the Australian government
• Australian Drug Information Database
• Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission – Click on the link to speeches to read a variety of speeches on social justice, including a few which specifically target health and health care.
• Australian Department of Health and Ageing – Contains an index of media releases and speeches

Election 2007

• Better Care for the Aged. Better Care for Everyone – Kevin 07
• Nicola Roxon on ending the blame game in our health system – Kevin 07
• Improving Public Hospital Accountability – Liberal Party

Conclusion:

After completing this campaign speech, students will have developed the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute towards constructive debate on the health care system in Australia and the health status of our nation. They will have a greater awareness of current health issues and be able to offer meaningful suggestions for improvements.

Mrs. A’s Suggestions

• Start your task with a general overview of health in Australia. Use the dot point syllabus guidelines to find current statistics on Australian health.
• Decide on an area of health that interests you. It is important for you to decide about one or more changes that can be made to improve Health.
• You may choose a sub group which experiences health inequities. Then decide what aspect you can change to improve the health status.
• How much will this cost? Where will the $$ come from? Will the government help? What about Medicare and private insurance? Will the incidence / prevalence improve? Are you reducing any inequity that exists?

Other Suggestions

• ActNow Tool Kit – Ideas for a media campaign
• ActNowWriting Tips
• How to Make a Digital Video

Evaluation

Marks	Description
18-20	Campaign speech shows evidence of careful planning, excellent research and critical analysis of the health care system in Australia. The speech is presented in a confident manner, in a clear, interesting and persuasive way. Depth of understanding of the current health care system is clear. A wide variety of different aspects are addressed – e.g. health care facilities, expenditure, public and private health care, population group inequities, prevention versus cure, priority areas of concern. Specific examples are referred to throughout. Strategies for change reflect the new public health model – social justice principles are discussed.Strategies for change suggested demonstrate a clear analysis of the issue and are practical and achievable in their scope. An evaluation of their expected success is made.The speech is convincing in its nature and displays evidence of thoughtful consideration of all population groups. Accompanying resources used with the speech aid in its impact
14-17	Evidence of research is clear throughout the campaign speechSpecific references to the current status of our health care system are made. Suggests a number of changes in strategy that could be made and justifies why each change would have a positive impact. A wide variety of aspects of our health care system are analysed and discussed. The speech is well structured and rehearsedResources used with the speech are helpful to its impact.
10-13	The speech provides a clear outline of the current health status of our nationAn attempt is made to define the major problems with the system and to suggest some new strategiesSome evidence of planning and rehearsal
5-9	Some reference is made to the current health status of Australia. Speech provides an outline of several health care issues although no specific details are evidentSome suggestions for change are made but little or no supportive arguments or examples are included. Speech lacks cohesiveness and shows little evidence of planning or research
1-4	Little attempt has been made to research any specifics of the health care system in Australia. Campaign speech is brief and not well structuredSuggested changes are vague and hold little convictionSpeech contains some relevant information on health care in Australia