30/03/2026
Today I had the opportunity to attend a strategic planning meeting with the National Rural Health Alliance, as we continue to advocate for fair and sustainable funding for GP services in rural and remote communities.
The meeting was hosted by the Shire of Lake Grace and brought together in person and online Shire Presidents and CEOs from across the Great Southern and Wheatbelt, along with key health bodies and advocacy groups, and and . A special thank you to Caroline Robinson from 150Square for facilitating a focused and productive discussion.
Our shared goal remains clear — to secure Federal Government support to help recoup the significant cash contributions that local governments are currently making to attract and retain GPs in areas where the provision of health services is simply not viable in a free market.
These are essential services, and without this support, the burden on small rural Shires is not sustainable. We also call on the Hon Meredith Hammat to urgently address the financial load being carried by remote and very remote local governments, who are not only funding the cash component for GPs but also providing housing, practices, vehicles, utilities and other critical supports required to deliver these services and deliver doctor services to regional hospital.
It was a constructive meeting, and we look forward to continuing this work in partnership with the Hon Meredith Hammat and the Hon Mark Butler as we push for meaningful and timely outcomes for our communities.
