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Health | March 23, 2020

Temporary lifeline for Primary Care Partnerships not good enough

Primary Care Partnerships have been handed a temporary lifeline with funding extended until the end of the year.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said while this was a late but sensible decision, the announcement does not go anywhere near close to providing certainty or direction for PCPs across the state.

“For the past 20 years our fabulous PCPs have been there for us in our times of need, whether this be drought, flood or bushfires”, Ms Kealy said.

“Already they are working hard to coordinate COVID-19 support for our most vulnerable – our homeless and those in crisis.

“This is a perfect example of why we need their funding to continue beyond their State Government funding cut-off at the end of the year.

“No-one can do what they do for our local communities and we can’t afford to lose them.

“The continued drip feeding of funding by the Andrews Labor Government is only creating uncertainly and making their job harder, not easier.

“I have been proud to stand with our PCPs in the fight for ongoing funding security and will do everything I can to ensure local residents continue to have access to the vital services they provide.

“We must always support our PCPs as they support the health of our local communities.”