Coalition patient travel subsidies don’t add up

A coalition government would be forced to slash vital health funding for hospital and patient services to pay for its patient travel subsidy policy.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Health Minister, Karen Struthers, said today that Queensland already provides the most generous patient travel subsidies in Australia.

“The Bligh Government provided $34.3 million in travel subsidies to patients and their carers in 2007-08 -- more than any other state or territory,” Ms Struthers said.

“Mr Springborg admits his policy would cost Queensland taxpayers at least $95 million a year - that’s treble what it costs now.

“That means a Coalition government would have to slash vital funding to hospitals and patient services to pay for his policy.

“What frontline health services does Mr Springborg suggest should have their funding cut?

“Yet again, this is just recycled policy from a recycled leader.”

Ms Struthers said there was a better way.

“Queensland Health is already investing a further $2.2 million to upgrade its statewide Telehealth Network.

“The network delivers specialist healthcare to patients living in rural and regional communities via video links at 430 sites throughout the state.

“Upgrading this network will help reduce the need for patients in rural areas to travel long distances to access some specialist health care services.”

Health Minister Stephen Robertson earlier this year placed the issue of patient travel subsidies on the national agenda for discussion by all Australian heath ministers.

NOTE: The Queensland Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme provides assistance to patients, and sometimes their carers, to enable them to access essential specialist medical services not available in their local area.

The scheme’s intent is to assist with costs associated with accessing this care, not to reimburse and cover entire travel and accommodation costs.

Media: Alison Brown – 3234 1185 / 0408 449267

Table: Comparison of Patient Travel Subsidy Schemes across Australia

State/ Territory	Minimum Distance	Air Travel	Fuel Subsidy cents/km	Accommodation (per night)
QLD	50km	Medical necessity	15c	$30 commercial $10 private
NSW	100km	Medical necessity	15c	$33 commercial $10 private $46 double (inc escort)
VIC	100km	>350kms	13c	$30 commercial
WA	100km	>16hrs	13c	$35 commercial $10 private
SA	100km	Medical necessity	16c	$30 commercial
TAS	75km	Interstate	13c intrastate only	$30 commercial
NT	200km	As required	15c	$33 commercial $10 private
ACT	Interstate Only	Medical necessity	Set rate dependent on destination	$30 commercial (patient) $20 commercial (escort) $10 private (patient & escort)