Eastern Victorians are set to benefit from a $53.6 million boost to the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) under a Nationals Liberal Government.
The commitment will increase accommodation assistance from $49.50 to $125 per night and private vehicle travel assistance from 21 cents to 35 cents per kilometre, helping ease the cost of accessing healthcare for regional patients who must travel long distances for treatment.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said the increase was a major win for regional communities and long overdue.
“Regional Victorians face higher healthcare costs, longer travel times and poorer health outcomes than their metropolitan counterparts, making VPTAS support essential.
“Households are under significant financial pressure, they should not be forced to choose between healthcare and their family budget.
“VPTAS reimbursements have been stagnate for over a decade, leaving regional patients to shoulder the burden of accessing healthcare.
“Under Labor, Victoria has had the lowest patient travel and accommodation reimbursement scheme in Australia – The Nationals firmly believe your postcode should not determine your access to affordable healthcare.”
Ms Bath said the announcement is vindication for the many patients and families who had contacted her and other Nationals MPs calling for improved financial support to access medical care.
“The Nationals believe regional Victorians deserve the same access to healthcare as those in Melbourne.
“Too many residents are forced to travel to Melbourne or across Gippsland for specialist treatment, leaving them thousands of dollars out of pocket during a cost-of-living crisis.
“Increasing VPTAS is what delivering regional Victoria its fair share looks like – practical support that makes a real difference when families need it most.”
