KAP call for regions to have their say on health

7 December 2021

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) MPs are calling on the community to ensure their voices are heard regarding current health issues being experienced in regional Queensland.

The Health and Environment Committee is conducting an inquiry into the provision of primary, allied and private health care, aged care and NDIS care services and its impact on the Queensland public health system.

KAP Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said that despite the State-commissioned review purporting to focus on services administered by the Federal Government, it was important people were forthright in sharing their concerns.

He said health was the number one issue in his Hinchinbrook electorate, and therefore he felt it necessary to spread awareness about the inquiry.

“The Hinchinbrook Local Government Area has an ageing community and readily available health care services is essential,” he said.

“Most recently the lack of specialists, GPs and mental health services has been brought to my attention.

“The local Council and stakeholders are doing a phenomenal job at developing the Shire to attract new residents and with health being a top priority for many, quality health care services are a must to ensure growth.”

KAP Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said it was important all rural and regional Queenslanders shared their experiences with the state of the current health system.

“At the end of the day, the single mum who can’t access dialysis in her hometown or the family who has to relocate to Brisbane so their child can undergo chemotherapy, do not care which level of government has dropped the ball on delivery health services equitably and fairly,” he said.

“The problems with our health system – which are wide, varied and no more acute than in the regions – need to be looked at holistically.

“I am encouraging all Queenslanders to use the opportunity of this inquiry to share their experiences and concerns with any component of health with the State Government.

“I imagine most people will have a story to tell, and many of them will not be pleasant.”

Hill MP Shane Knuth said the inquiry would be an opportunity for rural and regional Queenslanders to fight for their fair share when it comes to health care.

“Despite what the Government says, health services have been declining in regional Queensland for years,” Mr Knuth said.

“We are constantly fighting for access to the same health care services that those living in major cities in the south-east take for granted.

“In some regions patients don’t have access to basic life-saving services or must travel hundreds of kilometres just to see a GP.

“This review is an opportunity for regional Queenslanders to have their say and point out the flaws in our State’s health system that must be addressed urgently.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to provide their stories on the lack of health services in regional Queensland, to the HEC committee.”

Submissions to the HEC inquiry close at 10am on Thursday, 16 December 2021 and can be submitted via the Queensland Parliament website or by emailing hec@parliament.qld.gov.au

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