Joint Statement by
The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Member for Lyne and;
Mr David Littleproud MP, Member for Maranoa
People living in Kingaroy will have greater access to health and medical services following the area’s recent classification as a region with a doctor shortage.
Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, joined the Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, in Kingaroy today to announce the area has gained District Workforce Shortage (DWS) status in the recent classification updates.
Minister Gillespie said the Coalition Government uses the DWS to distribute medical services across Australia, with a focus on making sure there are adequate services in regional, rural and remote areas.
“The population to GP ratio in Kingaroy is now worse than the national average. In light of this concerning data, I’m here today with the Member for Maranoa to announce that Kingaroy now has DWS status," Minister Gillespie said.
“DWS classifications precisely identify where doctor shortages exist, which means the recruitment of new doctors to those areas can be better targeted.”
"The government is continuing to review and improve the DWS scheme so that we can continue to meet this core objective," Minister Gillespie said.
Mr Littleproud said it was pleasing to see action being taken by the Coalition Government to ensure towns like Kingaroy will get the medical services locals deserve.
“I’ve had lengthy discussions about Kingaroy’s concerns with Minister Gillespie and I’m pleased that the DWS status has been restored.
“This has been a concern of locals in the area for some time, so I’m relieved there’s now a solution towards ensuring we can attract more doctors to the area.”
Under current regulations, some doctors, such as overseas trained doctors, foreign graduates of Australian medical schools and Australian-trained bonded doctors with return of service obligations, are restricted from providing services that attract a Medicare rebate unless they work in a DWS area.
Information about the updated DWS classifications can be found on the DoctorConnect website.
Photo: Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, SB Care CEO Cheryl Dalton and Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud.
