Clermont is staring down yet another healthcare crisis, with news that the Clermont Doctor Surgery will not have its lease renewed, in a devastating blow for a community already battling to keep essential medical services alive.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, says the situation in Clermont is a clear example of Labor’s failed primary healthcare policies gutting rural Australia.
“Labor is now well into its second term and regional healthcare is in freefall,” Ms Landry said.
“The Federal Health Minister’s decision to expand Distribution Priority Area locations and changes to the Modified Monash Model are draining medical professionals away from the bush. Incredibly, areas like Noosa and Surfers Paradise have been given full priority status, while communities like Clermont are left scrambling for doctors.”
Ms Landry said the loss of the surgery lease is alarming for a town that has spent years fighting to keep a GP service.
“It is already incredibly difficult to attract doctors to regional and remote communities. Labor’s policies are sucking them straight into the cities to bolster metropolitan votes.”
A report commissioned by the National Rural Health Alliance found an $8.35 billion rural health funding shortfall, equal to $1,090 less per person compared to urban areas. The largest deficit falls on MMM 5–7 communities like Clermont, with a $4,701 funding gap per capita.
“Australia is short around 2,400 GPs, and despite Labor’s promises, it has never been more expensive to see a doctor,” Ms Landry said.
“Out-of-pocket costs are now over $50 per visit, and health inflation has soared 15 per cent. Clermont is fighting an uphill battle and losing another doctor could leave residents without the continuity of care they deserve.”
Ms Landry called on the Federal Government to immediately review regional incentive settings and prioritise healthcare access for the bush.
“Regional Australians deserve the same level of healthcare as those in the cities, not scraps. Labor must fix this mess before more towns like Clermont are left without a GP.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Lauren Clein: 0418 908 159
