Increase patient travel subsidies

Eligibility - Queensland citizens
Principal Petitioner:
Justine Christerson
50 Executive Drive
PARK RIDGE QLD 4125
Total Signatures - 2,181
Sponsoring Member: Mr Steve Andrew MP
Posting Date: 2/5/2023
Closing Date: 4/8/2023
Tabled Date: 22/8/2023
Responded By: Hon Shannon Fentiman MP on 21/9/2023
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House thousands of Queenslanders in regional and remote areas are having to choose between feeding their families or accessing medical treatment. Patients forced to travel far distances for hospital treatment are sleeping in cars and outside hospitals, because they cannot afford accommodation and petrol costs. Despite skyrocketing living and travel costs, the government’s travel subsidies haven’t increased for over a decade, pushing thousands into financial stress. 

Rural patients are at a higher risk of hospitalisation, injury and death, and now they are faced with additional barriers to accessing healthcare. Our politicians receive a travel allowance between $139 and $416 per day when travelling in state and capital cities; while patients who travel for cancer treatment get $60 per night for accommodation and 30 cents per kilometre to drive to the hospital they are referred to.

Fuel has increased; so must the reimbursement. Accommodation charges have increased but the nightly subsidy rate hasn’t.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to facilitate an increase the Patient Travel Subsidy for fuel, travel and accommodation as a commitment to breaking down the barriers for rural patients, so that every Queenslander has access to healthcare that meets their needs.