Our petition is attracting media attention and it’s thanks to you, our 10,200-plus supporters! Please share this article with as many people as you can and encourage them to sign the petition.

Croakey Health Media is a public interest journalism website focusing on health, environment and indigenous issues. One of our supporters introduced us to the editorial team, and we’ve published this article, explaining why Australia needs a national no-fault compensation scheme for healthcare injuries. 

We explain the shortcomings of the current system – only 1-3% of injured patients are likely to be compensated; the advantages of a no-fault compensation scheme; and the experience of other countries that have adopted no-fault compensation for healthcare injuries. Not one country has returned to a litigation-only system.

We also emphasise the need for injured patients to be consulted at every step of designing such a scheme. This is a radical change from the past when compensation arrangements were designed primarily by and for health professionals and institutions. 

We are now in the second phase of our campaign, where we need as much public support and media coverage as possible so that our politicians will listen and act.

We are very grateful for all your support.

Sarah and Vickie