Establishment of radiation therapy services in North West Tasmania: a community need or election strategy?

The study found evidence that policy change was achieved primarily as a result of a political strategy designed to win support during a Federal election. This has important implications for health policy in rural areas, especially for those population centres located in marginal seats. During an election cycle the decision to establish new health services may not be wholly influenced by an identified coalition or issue such as sustainability, community needs or rationality.