Health Budget 2012-2013

New and Improved Health Facilities for Regional Australians

Australian patients will benefit from a $475 million investment in new and upgraded health facilities in regional Australia.

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8 May 2012

Australian patients will benefit from a $475 million investment in new and upgraded health facilities in regional Australia, which delivers fully on the Government’s $1.8 billion commitment to a regional priority round for the Health and Hospitals Fund.

As part of the 2012-13 Budget, the Gillard Government is funding 76 projects to give greater access to health services for patients living in rural, regional and remote communities.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the $475 million was being directed through the Government’s Health and Hospitals Fund (HHF) and builds on the $1.3 billion allocated to 63 regional health projects in last year’s Budget. This brings total HHF investments in improving health facilities to $5 billion.

“The Gillard Government is providing extra health care services and new and upgraded facilities to Australian patients,” Ms Plibersek said.

“We want Australians to have the health care they need, when and where they need it.

“As well as giving patients greater access to hospital services in the bush, this investment in infrastructure will help to create jobs and strengthen local economies.”

Ms Plibersek said the approval of projects was based on independent assessment of tangible benefits to patients living outside major cities.

“Patients will benefit from the redevelopment and continuation of hospitals and multi purpose services in regional centres, including in Broken Hill, Bundaberg, Griffith, Hillston, Kempsey, Lismore, Peak Hill and Warracknabeal.

“New and upgraded facilities to support additional dental services will benefit patients in areas such as Cranbrook, Murray Bridge, Narrogin, the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, and Yamba.”

Funding through the HHF is delivered in partnership with a wide range of organisations that are experienced in delivering services in the bush.

As a leading health provider in remote Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service will receive additional funding for an aircraft hanger and patient transfer facility, mobile oral health facilities and staff accommodation.

Ms Plibersek said the Government will also be increasing the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who can be trained in areas including Broken Hill, Ulverstone and Katherine.

“This will give training health professionals an opportunity to experience the benefits of living and building a career in the rural health sector.

“To attract, train and retain permanent health professionals in the bush, accommodation for students and health professionals including locums, will also be built and improved in locations such as Ballarat, South Gippsland, Halls Creek, Mt Isa, Thursday Island, Charleville and Bairnsdale.”

Spending under the HHF is allocated to areas of greatest need and is designed to prepare communities for increased demand in health services as a result of the ageing population and to address the rising burden of chronic disease. All applications for funding are assessed by the independent HHF Advisory Board.

For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 02 6277 7220

Attachment A – Health and Hospitals Fund – Regional Priority Round