Media Release

Bob Katter met with Health Program Director Grattan Institute Dr Stephen Duckett who presented him with the Grattan Institute’s findings from their report, Access all areas: new solutions for GP shortages in rural Australia.

Amongst the issues raised were GP shortages in rural and remote areas, basic medical care and federal funding for GPs in remote areas. Bob also took particular interest in expanding the role of pharmacists.

The report found that in seven areas there was limited access to GPs is imposing severe costs on individuals, doctors and the health system. As well as Mount Isa these areas include Tamworth, and Goulburn, as well as the Northern Territory and most of Western Australia.

PHOTO: Chair North West Hospital & Health Service Paul Woodhouse, Head of Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health Professor Sabina Knight, and Health Program Director Grattan Institute Dr Stephen Duckett met with Bob to discuss the Access all areas report.