Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | Hansard source

Senator, I think it's really unfortunate that you try to portray any tragic incident that might occur in a local community in those circumstances. There are other provisions that the government puts in place, including specific arrangements with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provide support to the regional areas. As I said in my two initial answers, there is direct action and activity being undertaken by the local member, with local communities, with his ministerial colleagues and the state government, in efforts to attract doctors to the region.

Dr Lewis has not left yet but has I think, quite responsibly, given the community some notice that he is going to go. It gives the community and the state, federal and local governments the opportunity to work together to see what they can do to attract additional services to the region in a very complex climate. (Time expired)