TO SURVIVE, REMOTE AUSTRALIA NEEDS DOCTORS

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Today’s belated announcement from Mr Rudd on public health funding doesn’t solve one of the critical issues facing Northern and Remote Australians – the drastic underspend on public health facilities.

Whilst remote and Northern Australia produce more that 40% of Australia’s export earnings, there is an under spend of about $1 billion annually on public heath spending in rural Australia.

Federal Opposition Spokesman on Northern and Remote Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald said that Australia’s powerhouse economic forces will dwindle if those earning the money do not have access to fair and adequate medical services.

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia in a presentation to Federal Parliamentarians pointed out the significant under spend for those of us who live in Northern and Remote Australia.

“What is worse under state Labor Government regimes in recent years over 50% of small rural hospitals have been closed or downgraded” Senator Macdonald said.

“At least 1800 additional doctors are urgently required in country Australia with latest statistics showing that the full time equivalent primary health care practitioners had fallen significantly since 2003.

“Mr Rudd continually promised Australians before the last elections that he would ‘fix’ the health system by July last year.

“Not only has he failed in yet another promise, but in fact the situation continues to get worse.

“there are many things State, Territory and Federal Governments could do to support rural doctors, and in doing this some equity can be returned to those Australians who produce so much of Australia’s wealth.

“It is simply not fair for Northern and Remote Australians to receive a lesser access to medical services in a country as prosperous as Australia.

“Mr Rudd needs to redirect his energies in spending borrowed money away from Media Release opportunities and into things that actually provide equity and fairness for all Australians.

END

3 March 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255                                           

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