Addressing health needs

I hope you have had a restful Christmas and a good break with your family and friends.

A new year is always exciting, with new opportunities.

Across the past 12 months as Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health, I have been working hard on policy that will ensure people who live in regional Australia have better access to healthcare — just like our urban counterparts.

My healthcare policies are being costed and I look forward to sharing them with you soon.

Rest assured, they will work to address the immediate and long-term need for more doctors, specialists, allied health and nurses in regional Australia.

Nine million people — nearly a third of Australia’s population — live in our regions and experience a greater burden of chronic health and premature death, in part due to inadequate health services.

This year as we head closer to the next federal election, it is a priority for me that the health needs of regional people are at the forefront.

We need policies to help regional Australians, not just those who wake up to a city skyline.

In addition to healthcare, I am continuing to fight for our farmers — including standing up to the reckless railroading of transmission lines through prime farming land, mineral sands projects forcing farmers away from their homes, or the Federal Government slapping a biosecurity levy on farmers for the risks imposed by their international competitors.

Farming regions such as the Wimmera contribute so much to Australia, and your voices must be heard in Canberra.

It has been a pleasure to serve Mallee as your Federal Member since 2019, and I look forward to continuing to represent you.

As the Nationals settle on their policies to take to the next election I welcome you putting your ideas forward.

You can reach out to me on 5021 5987 or anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au

I wish you a wonderful 2024. • Dr Anne Webster is Federal Member for Mallee.