Arabic version: خدمات الصحة في تسمانيا تؤمن تمديد تمويل لمدة عام
Two Tasmanian primary health services that had their funding cut in last week’s state budget have been given a one-year lifeline. The Tasmanian government announced it would restore funding for the Cygnet Family Practice’s urgent care and after-hours service, as well as a mobile GP service operated by the Moreton Group.
According to ABC News, the funding was initially cut in the state budget, which did not allocate resources for these essential services. However, the state government has now committed to providing “one-year transitional funding”, allowing both services to continue operations until the end of June next year.
The Cygnet Family Practice’s urgent care service operates three days a week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and offers more than 100 appointments each week. Co-owner and nurse practitioner Kerrie Duggan emphasized the importance of the service in managing local healthcare needs effectively, noting that it has saved the state government over $1 million annually by reducing ambulance and hospital admissions.
Moreton Group’s mobile GP program has delivered 9,000 free appointments in regional and disadvantaged communities over two years. This program was initially funded as part of an election promise made by the Liberals in 2024. Rob Moreton from the Moreton Group expressed gratitude for the funding extension, acknowledging the need for ongoing advocacy for sustainable funding through the federal government.
