Queensland Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce is delighted to hear of the Federal Health Minister’s announcement today that rural GP’s who undertake procedures usually carried out by Specialists in the city will receive an annual $15,000 incentive payment for their troubles.

“This incentive payment is essential to ensure the future viability of health services for people in rural and regional Queensland,” Senator Joyce said.

Moreover though, this announcement sends a clear message to the Beattie Labor Government that their Smart State Health Directions 2020 statement simply won’t cut it.

“The reality is, that while this document proposes to ‘redefine’ and ‘reshape’ rural health services in Queensland, it is nothing but ‘Beattie Speak’ for the gradual closure of rural hospitals,” said Senator Joyce.

With procedures such as obstetric delivery, general anaesthetic and endoscopy included in the program, many in rural areas will be able to receive the treatment they require without having to travel to larger regional centres.

“This is funding going to medical professional’s at the coal face to treat patients not to bolster bureaucratic numbers to cover up failed systems, he said.

“All Queenslanders, especially those in rural areas of the state have had to put up with a second rate health system for long enough,” he said.

“The bar has been lifted here and I expect Beattie jump it,” said Senator Joyce.