2 years ago
GP SHORTAGES IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
MARK BUTLER MP
Labor will today call for a Senate inquiry to examine the shortage of GPs in outer metro, regional and rural Australia.
Over eight long years the Morrison Government has failed to improve the dire situation facing these communities. In fact, they have contributed to making the GP shortage worse.
A lack of doctors and other medical professionals in regional and rural communities across Australia is not a new problem, but a series of government decisions and the pandemic means it is time to spotlight this critical issue before people are left with no healthcare options in their community.
The proposed inquiry would explore the GP crisis in outer metropolitan, rural, and regional areas, including an assessment of Government policies such as the Rural Health Strategy, the reforms to Distribution Priority Areas and the Modified Monash Model geographical classification system, as well as GP training reforms and the impact of the Liberal and Nationals Medicare rebate freeze.
Labor wants the inquiry to seek practical positive solutions to make sure Australians have access to quality health care regardless of where they live.
Labor will be seeking support from crossbench and National Party Senators to establish this important inquiry.
Over eight long years the Morrison Government has failed to improve the dire situation facing these communities. In fact, they have contributed to making the GP shortage worse.
A lack of doctors and other medical professionals in regional and rural communities across Australia is not a new problem, but a series of government decisions and the pandemic means it is time to spotlight this critical issue before people are left with no healthcare options in their community.
The proposed inquiry would explore the GP crisis in outer metropolitan, rural, and regional areas, including an assessment of Government policies such as the Rural Health Strategy, the reforms to Distribution Priority Areas and the Modified Monash Model geographical classification system, as well as GP training reforms and the impact of the Liberal and Nationals Medicare rebate freeze.
Labor wants the inquiry to seek practical positive solutions to make sure Australians have access to quality health care regardless of where they live.
Labor will be seeking support from crossbench and National Party Senators to establish this important inquiry.