VOICES UNITE FOR BETTER HEALTHCARE

Political leaders, professional groups and advocacy organisations have united at parliament to send a strong message to the government that regional, rural and remote communities are demanding improvements to healthcare services. 

The meeting was a milestone event in the Rural Health Action Plan (RHAP) – a six-point blueprint for better healthcare led by the Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr. 

To reinforce the message that healthcare reform is a bipartisan issue, Dr McGirr invited MPs from all major parties and the crossbench to hear how and why positive changes should be made. 

Among those to speak at today’s meeting were Temora-based GP Dr Rachel Christmas, CWA leader Danica Leys, birth services advocate Jen Laurie, Health Minister Ryan Park. Shadow Minister for Health, Sarah Mitchell, the Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, and the Greens Health spokesperson, Dr Amanda Cohn. 

Dr McGirr thanked the speakers, saying their voices added to growing calls for reform. 

“Today’s meeting heard and loud and clear that rural and regional communities will no longer accept second best when it comes to healthcare so I’ll be making sure that the government is well aware of the need for immediate reforms, in line with my six-point plan,” he said. 

“The plan now has 50 formal supporters from professional, community and political groups and all are unanimous in supporting reforms that will make country communities healthier, happier and safer. 

“Bringing that message direct to decision makers at parliament today was a valuable opportunity to make sure their voices are heard and most importantly, there was multi-partisan support for reform from across the political spectrum.” 

The feedback and ideas collected from stakeholders from across the state will be used to step up the pressure on the government to make a genuine difference to regional healthcare. 

As part of the RHAP, Dr McGirr has presented a bill to parliament calling for legislation to enshrine the right of country communities to primary care, aligning with point one of the plan - “A GP for every town.” 

Debate on Dr McGirr’s private member’s bill is expected to continue in parliament this week.