Additional financial support will be made available for Cloncurry doctors, thanks to a classification change coming into effect in early 2017.
Queensland Senator Ian Macdonald welcomed the news last week and said it was a win-win situation for the local community.
Senator Macdonald said the decision to change Cloncurry’s classification, which will increase the amount of incentive paid to doctors who work there, will ultimately improve access to local health services.
“It was ridiculous that Magnetic Island was treated the same way as Cloncurry when the two locations couldn’t be more different,” Senator Macdonald said.
“This is wonderful news for residents in the Cloncurry region.”
Cloncurry is currently classified as MM6. The new classification, MM7, which will come into effect from 1 January, 2017, will provide an additional loading of up to $25,000 per annum, recognising the exceptional circumstances faced in attracting and retaining medical professionals in rural and remote locations.
The Modified Monash Model (MMM) geographical classification scheme was launched by the Coalition in 2015 in order to better target health workforce programs.
Senator Macdonald also highlighted the General Practice Rural Incentives Program (GPRIP), which provides incentives for doctors to move to, and remain working in regional, rural and remote areas.
“Not only is access an issue, there’s also very different expectations for doctors in these areas. GP’s are often responsible for a wider range of health care roles compared to their city peers, and the General Practice Rural Incentives Program is a valuable support mechanism that helps retain our doctors in remoter regions,” he said.
“The tyranny of distance is a fact of life for those living in rural and remote locations, however its not an excuse for lower standards of service provision.
“This is just another way the Turnbull Government is ensuring all Australians have the same access to these services, regardless of where they live.”
