Communities across the Clarence and Richmond valleys are being urged to back a push for increased travel support, as rising fuel costs make it harder for residents to access essential medical care.
Clarence MP Richie Williamson has called on the NSW Government to increase financial assistance for rural and regional patients, warning many in the community are struggling to afford the long trips required for specialist treatment.
Williamson said the current 40 cents per kilometre subsidy under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) no longer reflects the true cost of travel.
“People across the Richmond and Clarence Valleys often have no choice but to travel long distances to access specialist care,” Williamson said. “With fuel prices rising, those trips are becoming more and more expensive, and the current subsidy simply isn’t enough.”
He said the issue was affecting entire communities, with families often travelling hundreds of kilometres multiple times for treatment, adding financial stress to already difficult circumstances.
Local cancer survivor Lindy Mears said the scheme was vital for people across the region seeking care.
“The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme is a crucial support that allows patients to attend life-saving treatment,” Mears said. “No one should have to worry about how they will afford to get to treatment. The cost of travel should not be a roadblock to care.”
Williamson said increasing the IPTAAS travel rate would deliver immediate relief to regional communities and help ensure people are not left behind because of where they live.
“This is a straightforward change that would make a real difference right now,” he said.
“We need to ensure people in regional and rural areas are not disadvantaged when it comes to accessing healthcare.”
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