Greens candidate for Franklin, Dr Rosalie Woodruff, today said the Greens have announced a rural health policy that would mean better healthcare and mental health services for Franklin residents.
“The Greens don’t believe your health should depend on your postcode or your bank balance. People who live in regional areas suffer poorer health and have a lower life expectancy than those who live in metropolitan areas. Everyone has the right to good quality healthcare,” Dr Woodruff said.
“The proportion of women in Franklin aged 40 to 50 experiencing suicidal feelings is one of the highest in the country. The Greens are committed to investing funding in prevention and in more mental health services for regional areas.
“The Greens will invest $450 million in rural hospitals. This would help them offer a wider range of services so that people aren’t forced to leave their communities to get basic health care.
“The Greens would also invest $200 million in rural infrastructure so clinics can offer more services and stay open for longer.
“The Greens also understand Franklin doesn’t just need more infrastructure, we also need more doctors, nurses and allied health workers.
“The Greens will address the demand for a rural health workforce by fixing the classification system so that rural health workers are properly paid for working in remote areas. We will streamline the accreditation of overseas doctors. We will also offer grants to clinics in regional areas like the Huon Valley so that we can continue to attract and retain our doctors,” Dr Woodruff said.
Visit www.greens.org.au/rural-health
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call Lifeline (24 hours) on 131 114 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
Rosalie Woodruff, Huon Valley Councillor and Greens candidate for Franklin
