Senator to survey Grey ahead of Whyalla GP shortage inquiry

Labor Senator Karen Grogan is calling on residents across the Grey electorate to share their experiences in accessing GP and other health services via an online survey ahead of a Senate inquiry in Whyalla on 1 March.

The Community Affairs References Committee is visiting Whyalla to examine the current state of rural and regional GPs and related services.

The Committee will also look at the impact Morrison-Joyce Government reforms have had on the health system including changes to the geographical classification system, the Medicare rebate and GP training.

Senator Grogan wants issues impacting regional communities including those in the Upper Spencer Gulf, Port Lincoln and Ceduna regions to be heard at the inquiry.

Recently released government figures show people living in Grey have experienced the highest rise in out-of-pocket expenses associated with visiting a GP in the State.

This year alone, more than 900 changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule have been made by the Morrison-Joyce Government which the AMA say will lead to increased out of pocket costs for patients.

The recent opening of South Australia’s borders, and subsequent rises in COVID-19 infections, are increasing stress on an already stretched SA health system beset by staff shortages, ambulance ramping and dwindling services.

On 1 January this year, the Morrison-Joyce Government also removed a number of Medicare subsidies for Telehealth services including for psychiatry which regional patients say is having a devastating effect on them.

The Committee has previously held hearings in Erina, NSW, and Canberra, and will also head to Launceston in 2022.

Anyone wanting to complete the survey should visit Senator Grogan’s Facebook page.