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LNP to double patient travel subsidy

People living in rural communities will get more affordable access to health services with an LNP pledge to double the current patient travel and accommodation subsidy. I have lobbied for an increase in the PTSS for many years and am very pleased with the commitment given by the LNP. The commitment by LNP Leader Campbell Newman will mean an extra $100 million over four years to assist country people manage the financial burden and stress of travelling to access specialist health care. 

The LNP will double the travel subsidy from 15 cents per km to 30 cents per km, and double the accommodation subsidy from $30 to $60 per person for patients forced to travel for treatment and medical care. 

Many people living in country towns have told me the current Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme is inadequate. Some patients are even deferring treatment because of the costs associated with travelling to metropolitan centres to get access to health services. 

Campbell Newman’s commitment to better care and support offers a helping hand for the people of regional Queensland. 

Due to the Bligh Government’s mismanagement and chronic waste, the subsidy hasn’t changed for more than a decade – despite rising charges and cost of living increases. The accommodation allowance has been fixed at $30 per person per night for well over a decade resulting in an almost 50 per cent real cut in accommodation assistance. Patients who travel by car receive a paltry subsidy of just 15 cents per kilometre. 

This current tired, 20-year Labor Government has repeatedly ignored the cries of help from regional Queenslanders by refusing to increase the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme despite the spiralling costs. 

When you waste money like Labor does, important help like this much needed assistance to regional Queenslanders suffers. 

After a decade of Bligh Government inaction, the LNP reform to double the travel subsidy will provide peace of mind for people and families who are struggling with health issues like cancer. 

The LNP CanDo team will grow a four pillar economy and cut waste to revitalise frontline health services. 

The LNP will address the needs of country towns and country people.