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Federal Coalition will help ensure rural and regional are getting doctors and nurses back to regional Australian

Rural and regional communities will receive a boost to their health thanks to new reforms championed by the Liberal and National parties.

By news@gippsland - 30th November 2022 - Back to News

Today the House of Representatives passed a bill introduced by the Coalition prior to the last election that will encourage doctors and nurse practitioners to relocate to rural and regional Australia by providing a partial or full reduction to their HECS debt. Doctors and nurses who choose to relocate to the most remote parts of Australia, and practice for a period equivalent to half of the length of their degree, which for a doctor would be around four years, will have their full HECS debt waived.

The Liberal and National parties will continue to fight for regional Australians to be able to access the doctors and nurses they deserve

Reforms from the coalition

This would include areas such as Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Mallacoota in Victoria, or Tasmania's Bruny Island. Similarly, if they choose to relocate to rural or regional areas and undertake the same length of practice, they will have half of their HECS debt waived or the full debt for working the equivalent of their entire degree. This includes areas like Dubbo and Lismore in New South Wales and Busselton in south west Western Australia.

It is expected that around 850 GPs and nurse practitioners will take up this incentive. "These important reforms were introduced by the Coalition in government to help ensure rural and regional Australians have the same access to GPs and nurses as people in the cities."

"This fee waiver will make it more attractive for students studying medicine and nursing to consider regional practice after graduating." Shadow Minister for Education Alan Tudge said.

Equal health services access

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Andrew Gee said this measure will go a long way to address the significant disadvantage regional Australians experience in accessing quality healthcare. "Around one in five Australians in regional Australia report not having access to a nearby general practitioner."

"This has serious long-term implications and, in many cases, means a lower life expectancy and more issues with preventable diseases. The Liberal and National parties will continue to fight for regional Australians to be able to access the services they deserve." Mr Gee said.

Pictures from West Gippsland Hospital Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
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• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent safety audit quotes for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to ensure community safety
  East Gippsland Shire Council seeks quotes for an independent safety audit of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to assess risks, compliance, and required remedial works, ensuring a safe environment for staff and community.
• Darren Chester secures full entitlements and support for Yarram sawmill workers after sudden job losses
  Federal MP Darren Chester confirms AKD Yarram Sawmill workers will receive full entitlements, financial, mental health support, and relocation opportunities following sudden closure, easing impact on 73 employees and their families.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
  Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project.