GP Clinic in doubt
The $366,000 (inclusive of GST) grant promised by the Commonwealth Government of Australia in September 2007 is in DOUBT as the current administration in Government is reviewing the Regional Partnership Scheme and the G.P. Infrastructure Fund.
Regular contact with the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for making decisions on the Medical Infrastructure funding has not resulted in re-confirmation of the funding.
The only response given to Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre (VTBNC) is that "VTBNC will be notified" of the Honourable Gary Gray's decision "over the next few weeks" and that there is NO GUARANTEE they will honour the grant allocation.
VTBNC has made contact with the Minister's office for Regional Development and Infrastructure, the Honourable Anthony Albanese to inform him of our concerns and of the reasons why we need the grant as outlined below:
- There is no Doctor in our town.
- Visiting G.P. services have declined from two, four hour clinics weekly to at best one, one hour clinic weekly to at worst no clinics.
- Doctors in neighbouring towns have refused to take any new patients due to overload.
- VTBNC will meet most of the community contribution of approximately $310,000, while an additional $35,000 will come from in-kind support and donations from the community.
- Confirmation of the approval for funding $366,000.00 (inclusive of GST) was given on 2nd October 2007 by correspondence by the Commonwealth Government with the condition that the project be finalised by May 2008.
- Builders that were invited to make submissions and quotes have since walked away from the project as there was expectation that they would commence work in late January 2008 in order to complete the project by May 2008.
- VTBNC is a not for profit community owned health and aged care organisation that cares for rural communities. It is non political.
- VTBNC together with the North-east Division of General Practice undertook research and community consultation over a period of two years in order to ensure propriety, transparency and accuracy in order to ensure all applicable steps were taken to meet the conditions of the application.
The above points have been provided so that individuals and group supporters can draw on such information and write, call or email members responsible for the portfolio - - A. Albanese, the member responsible for the funding - Gary Gray, the Parliamentary Secretary and the four Victorian Senators, Gavin Marshall, Robert Ray, Stephen Conray and Kim Carr.
Please find attached the contact details for Honourable members.
Felipe Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858
