Families across the Mildura electorate will benefit from a $53.6 million boost to the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS), providing much needed relief for those who have to travel long distances for specialist medical care.
The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, said a Nationals and Liberals Government would increase accommodation assistance from $49.50 to $125 per night and private vehicle travel assistance from 21 cents to 35 cents per kilometre.
“Too many people in the Mildura electorate are forced to drive to Melbourne or Adelaide for treatment and are coming home thousands of dollars out of pocket. That isn’t fair, and it’s why The Nationals are lifting this support,” Ms Benham said.
“Families in the Mildura electorate know exactly what these trips cost. It’s the fuel and the accommodation, but it’s also the time off work and the time away from home, and the current subsidies don’t come close to covering it.”
VPTAS reimbursements have remained largely unchanged for the past 11 years and are now the lowest in Australia, despite the significant distances regional Victorians must travel to access specialist healthcare.
“Living in regional Victoria shouldn’t mean paying hundreds or thousands of dollars more just to access the healthcare you need.”
Ms Benham said the issue had been raised with her office time and again, with patients and families calling for a scheme that better reflects the reality of travelling long distances for treatment.
“The Nationals believe regional Victorians deserve the same access to healthcare as people living in Melbourne, without being left to shoulder an unfair financial burden.
“This is what giving regional Victoria its fair share looks like: practical support that makes a real difference when families need it most.
“Patients in the Mildura electorate shouldn’t have to choose between getting the care they need and keeping their family afloat. An elected Liberal and Nationals Government will make sure they don’t have to.”
