Fuel Subsidies for Community Services in the Bush

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has warned that the ongoing fuel crisis could severely compromise access to essential health and community services in rural and remote communities unless a temporary fuel subsidy is introduced.

Mr Butler’s office has been contacted by numerous organisations that provide transport for rural and remote patients to attend health and specialist appointments, as well as organisations delivering health services directly into people’s homes.

“These services are a lifeline for people who have no other means of transport,” Mr Butler said. “Any disruption caused by increased fuel prices would have serious consequences for health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.”

Today in parliament, Mr Butler asked the government to deliver a temporary financial support package to offset fuel cost increases for essential health and community services in regional areas. 

Organisations like Namoi Care Connect were already making hard decisions about which transport services they could afford to run before this fuel crisis hit, according to Executive Officer Alana Galagher.

“Without additional funding support, vulnerable people in rural communities are left without options to get to medical appointments or get to shops to purchase food,” said Ms Galagher. 

Mr Butler said rural and remote Australians already experience poorer health outcomes than people in metropolitan areas, a situation that worsened during the COVID‑19 pandemic when access to preventative care was restricted.

“We cannot afford to repeat that experience due to escalating fuel prices,” said Mr Butler. “These providers keep our communities functioning and must be protected.”

The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) will be visiting NSW Parliament tomorrow to share the impact of the fuel crisis on their members and ask for immediate assistance.