Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 April 2012:

The factors affecting the supply and distribution of health services and medical professionals in rural areas, with particular reference to:

  (a)   the factors limiting the supply of health services and medical, nursing and allied health professionals to small regional communities as compared with major regional and metropolitan centres;

  (b)   the effect of the introduction of Medicare Locals on the provision of medical services in rural areas;

  (c)   current incentive programs for recruitment and retention of doctors and dentists, particularly in smaller rural communities, including:

     (i)   their role, structure and effectiveness,

     (ii)   the appropriateness of the delivery model, and

     (iii)   whether the application of the current Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas classification scheme ensures appropriate distribution of funds and delivers intended outcomes; and

  (d)   any other related matters.

Question agreed to.