Ian McLean Green Scene Spokesperson for the Green Party

It is hard to imagine anybody thinking free visits to the doctor for all children and teenagers is a bad idea.

No doubt, some will say we can't afford it. In response, it can be noted doctors have an important role to play in preventing, and not just treating, illness.

The bottom line is; if you don't go to the doctor, opportunities for prevention are missed.

Consequences for the taxpayer in terms of chronic and debilitating illnesses can be very costly indeed, especially when including the double whammy of lost productivity and a sick person being supported by the public health sector.

Insurance companies have finally understood the link, with one company advertising people are encouraged to go to the doctor under their policies.

And the Government seems to agree, as it is proposing free visits for all children up to age 13. The Greens have upped the anti to age 18.

The Greens also aim to introduce preventative medicine for the planet, with policies that explicitly address climate change, carbon production and unsustainable resource exploitation.

Healthy people and a healthy planet – that sounds like an investment in futureproofing to me.