Keppel MP Brittany Lauga column
A petition I have been driving to increase Patient Transfer Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) funding has been heard loud and clear in my Government with the release of increased health travel funds in this week’s Budget.
In the 2023-24 Budget, announced this week, the Palaszczuk Government will boost the PTSS with an additional investment of $72.26 million.
For the average patient, this means:
An increase to the nightly allowance of $10;
A boost to the mileage subsidy, to 34c per kilometre.
These increased subsidies will also be available to support person/s travelling with the patient.
This boost to the PTSS is a critical cost of living measure that will have a huge impact for people across Central Queensland.
Health and health travel via the PTSS is one of the main recurring issues which are brought to the attention of our office.
As our population grows so too does the need for specialist health services.
The Queensland Government has made great headway by increasing the availability of services in Rockhampton and Yeppoon hospitals, particularly with cancer treatment.
Still there are those who need to travel to Brisbane’s hospitals for specialist surgery and care.
Thanks to everyone in Keppel who supported my petition for the PTSS, both online and on hard copy in our office.
The PTSS is a great support scheme for regional Queenslanders, but it has been desperately in need of increased funds.
I was pleased so many people signed the petition to help me send a powerful message to Brisbane that we need extra funding for sick people to travel to access healthcare.
Patients approved for PTSS receive a subsidy to attend the closest public hospital or health facility where the specialist medical treatment is available.
Patients travelling to access private specialist services may be eligible for a subsidy if the service is not available within 50 km of the patient’s closest public hospital or health facility.
When you or someone you love is sick there is nothing more important than getting the healthcare you need.
By subsidising health care travel Queenslanders across the state access treatment at the closest public hospital when they need it.
But with the cost of living rising across Australia, the scheme is starting to fall short.
Travel is more expensive than ever, and our PTSS needs to reflect that.
That’s why I fought hard for a boost to the PTSS this Budget and will continue to fight for other travel issues such as the 50km cut-off for road travel to a hospital or health service.
This support is crucial for many regional Queenslanders, but particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and people with chronic illness.
As cost-of-living pressures rise across the country due to inflation, supply chain pressures and rising interest rates, so too does the cost of travel.
The PTSS is Queensland Government funded and administered through Queensland Health.