Health and the services provided by governments at state and federal level is an issue that affects us all.
There are unique challenges facing our electorate, but they cannot be effectively addressed if we do not have sufficient government funding.
All candidates need to tell us how they plan to improve health outcomes.
For example, in Albury and Deniliquin there is a strong view among community leaders that new hospitals are needed.
While significant funding has been provided for upgrades at the existing Albury Hospital, is it enough to solve many of the existing problems and cater to a growing future population?
Albury Hospital is under extreme pressure because facilities in towns like Deniliquin have not kept pace with community needs, and as a result patients from that region are forced to travel to Albury for treatment.
Building a new hospital in Deniliquin will not only improve health facilities and outcomes in its region, but could also significantly reduce the number of patients from the broader Southern Riverina who are now being treated in Albury.
In Griffith there is a new hospital, but community dissatisfaction around services that are not being provided, and reports of staffing issues.
The situation is worse in smaller communities across the vast Farrer electorate, where positive health outcomes are jeopardised by the tyranny of distance.
During the by-election campaign, it is important we talk with candidates about health infrastructure and facilities and seek their commitment to prioritise advocating for our needs. We have been ignored for too long.
The upcoming by-election is our opportunity to Fight for Farrer. Let’s not waste it.
• Authorised by Vicki Meyer, ‘Werrina’, 14 McCallum Road, Warragoon NSW 2710.
