Regional patients across the Euroa electorate would receive greater financial support when travelling for specialist medical treatment under a Liberal and Nationals commitment to boost the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said families across the region should not be left thousands of dollars out of pocket simply because the specialist care they need is not available close to home.
“For people across our region, getting the medical care they need can mean hours on the road, overnight accommodation and time away from work and family,” Ms Cleeland said.
“When you are already dealing with a serious illness or supporting someone you love through treatment, the last thing you should have to worry about is how you are going to pay for the trip.
“Whether it is travelling to Melbourne for cancer treatment, specialist appointments or surgery, these costs add up quickly, and the current subsidies have not kept pace with the cost of living.”
Under the Liberal and Nationals commitment, accommodation assistance would increase from $49.50 to $125 per night, while private vehicle travel assistance would rise from 21 cents to 35 cents per kilometre.
For a patient requiring 10 nights of eligible accommodation and 600 kilometres of travel, the changes could provide an additional $839 in financial assistance.
Benalla resident Merryn Howell has twice had to relocate to Melbourne for blood cancer treatment and knows firsthand how quickly the costs of accessing specialist care can compound.
“When you’re facing treatment hundreds of kilometres from home, the last thing you should be worrying about is whether you can afford a bed for the night. This support will make a real difference,” Ms Howell said.
Ms Cleeland said the increase would provide practical relief for patients and families across the Euroa electorate who face significant travel costs to access specialist care.
“Living in regional Victoria should not mean paying more just to get the healthcare you need,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Families are already managing enough when someone is unwell. They should not be forced to dip into savings, take on debt or put extra pressure on the household budget just to get to an appointment.
“Regional patients deserve access to quality healthcare, regardless of their postcode, and that means recognising the additional costs that come with living further away from major hospitals.
“The Liberal and Nationals are committed to giving regional Victoria its fair share, and this is a practical measure that would make a real difference to families when they need support most.”
Ms Cleeland said the commitment recognised the additional financial burden regional patients face when travelling for treatment.
“No one should have to think twice about accessing necessary medical care because they are worried about the cost of getting there and somewhere to stay.
“This commitment is about easing that burden and making sure regional families have greater support when they need it most.”
