June 15, 2022

The Country Mayors Association of NSW held a Rural Health Forum on May 26 following the tabling in Parliament of the Legislative Council Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW on May 5, 2022.

Association Deputy Chair and Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the forum in Sydney was well attended, with excellent presentations by Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor, Shadow Minister for Health and Mental Health Ryan Park, Rural Doctors Network CEO Richard Colbran, and Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, National Rural Health Commissioner of Australia.

“Both Minister Taylor and Shadow Minister Park listened and heard our argument that it is critical to approach regional and rural health on a bipartisan basis,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The situation is urgent and needs to be brought before parliament as early as possible.

“Unsurprisingly to anyone who lives in regional New South Wales, the Inquiry found health and hospital services in country NSW were below standard when compared to service levels in metropolitan areas. It’s not acceptable. People deserve access to health care regardless of their postcode.”

Cr Chaffey is urging all regional and rural councils to get behind the efforts of the Country Mayors Association of NSW in its efforts to ensure all 44 recommendations of the Inquiry are adopted by Parliament. He urged councils write to the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition demanding action by adopting the Inquiry’s recommendations that will ensure a marked improvement in the delivery of all aspects of health care to country NSW residents.

“This is our opportunity to make a difference to regional and rural health delivery,” Cr Chaffey said. “Our communities deserve equity and access to the services that could save their lives.”

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s media team on (02) 6740 2100.