Rudd Must Ensure Re-Zoning Proposal Wont Rob Rural Areas of Hospitals and Doctors

16-February-2009

&The Rudd Government must ensure that a re-zoning proposal by Health Minster Nicola Roxon won’t rob rural and regional areas such as the North East from vital services such as hospitals and doctors, Federal Liberal member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella MP said today.

The classification system is used to determine eligibility for a range of rural health programs including workforce incentives such as retention grants for GP and subsidies for other health practitioners to work in rural and remote areas.

“Labor’s proposal is seriously worrying given that the Rural Doctors Association has warned it could lead to an exodus of current doctors, decreased incentives for young doctors to train in the bush and the possible closure of small regional hospitals,” Mrs Mirabella said.

The Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon announced a review of the remoteness classifications in April last year. There has been speculation the state could see most areas classified as inner regional and thus less eligible for subsidy programs.

“Nicola Roxon should make the details of the review public. Any review outcomes must support provision of increased health services and programs to regional communities.”

“The Coalition will oppose any changes that lead to a decrease in doctors and nurses in regional, rural and remote areas. The Minister should rule out adopting any scheme or proposal that would have a negative outcome for rural and regional Australia,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Health professionals are warning that the review is likely to have adverse impacts for regional Australia and Local communities are worried about losing what services they currently have.”

“Kevin Rudd promised to “fix” hospitals and health and he needs to deliver on that promise and his big task his telling his health Minister this idea will hurt rural communities and cannot proceed any further,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“Labor failed to provide any money for health in its reckless $42 billion spending package and its decision to investigate such a ludicrous proposal is an insult to rural communities who rely on the vital services country hospitals and doctors provide,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.