THE Federal Government has announced a $900 million investment to improve aged care services in rural and remote areas, alongside a growing petition by the sector's peak body calling for better healthcare access in these regions.
The funding includes $600 million for the Support at Home initiative and $300 million for various infrastructure improvements.
At the National Rural Health Alliance annual conference in Perth last week, CEO Susi Tegen (pictured) commented on the challenges faced by rural Australians in accessing aged care.
"Older people in rural areas face significant barriers, often having to move far from home for care, which affects their quality of life," Tegen said.
The investment aims to keep residents closer to their communities, improving service continuity and care quality.
The Alliance is also urging Australians to sign a petition calling for a 10-year National Rural Health Strategy.
The petition demands coordinated federal and state efforts to ensure rural residents receive the same healthcare access as those in cities.
Currently, rural Australians receive less healthcare and spend less on their health, despite contributing significantly to the nation's economy.
Tegen emphasised that rural Australians, who make up 30% of the population, live shorter lives compared to their urban counterparts due to inadequate healthcare access.
The petition, open until 10 Oct, advocates for a $1 billion National Rural Health Fund to support health workforce retention and infrastructure in rural areas.
"Rural Australians deserve the same dignity and support as those in the city," Tegen commented. JG
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