The Federal and NSW Governments joined forces at Australia's first Bilateral Regional Health Forum to decide how their combined investment of more than $2 billion can be maximised to boost NSW rural healthcare.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Minister for Regional Services Mark Coulton, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor and NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health Natasha Maclaren-Jones gathered with officials and medical experts at the forum in Wagga Wagga.
The more than $2 billion comprises recent Federal and NSW commitments on workforce, primary care and mental health initiatives that will be discussed at the forum.
The forum focused on measures to attract doctors to the bush and increase support for people with mental health concerns, in the current climate of severe drought and bushfires.
Mr McCormack said the Federal and NSW Governments will work collaboratively to ensure every dollar invested in rural and regional health benefits local communities.
"We're implementing the $550 million Stronger Rural Health Strategy to give GPs more opportunities to train and practise in the regions, and give nurses and allied health professionals a greater role in delivering primary care," Mr McCormack said.
Mrs Taylor said suicide prevention is a joint priority for the NSW and Federal governments, with people in rural and regional areas more likely to be impacted by suicide amidst the heavy stressors of drought and bushfires.
The Federal and NSW Governments look forward to further forums to discuss health issues affecting communities across regional NSW.