The Federal Government has announced it will invest $179 million in a bid to deliver more health professionals in rural Australia.

This investment will increase access to maternity and paediatric services, eye health, mental health and support chronic disease management and mean about 250,000 visits to the doctor, nurse or allied health professional, according to Health Minister Tanya Plibersek.

Ms Plibersek said the Government has selected organisations in each state and territory to encourage more health professionals to make the move to regional and remote areas.

Additional funding has also been provided to an organisation in each state and territory to specifically boost outreach services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

“The successful organisations will be responsible for identifying and breaking down the barriers that prevent GPs and other health professionals from working in rural and remote parts of their state or territory,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Each organisation will develop a plan of action to successfully deliver outreach services to areas of need. 

“This includes the cost of travel, meals and accommodation, facility fees, administrative support at the outreach location, lease and transport of equipment, telephone support and up-skilling sessions for resident health professionals.”