After Hours Bulk Billing for Palmerston

The Territory Opposition will announce funding for the re-opening of an after-hours bulk billing service in Palmerston as part of its budget reply speech.

The funding for after hours bulk billing at Farrar would continue until the promised Federal health clinic in Palmerston opened its doors.

“The axing of the after hours service in October 2006 was a cynical political ploy by Territory Labor in the lead up the Federal election,” says Terry Mills, Leader of the Opposition.

“The people of Palmerston and the rural area have been the real victims of Territory Labor’s mean spirited withdrawal of $300,000 in funding for the after hours clinic.

“Yesterday the Treasurer revealed a $330 million budget windfall but allocated not one cent to providing the people of Palmerston with access to after hours bulk billing.

“The Labor Government is willing to let the people of Palmerston and the rural go without after hours bulk billing until the Federal health clinic has been established. That could be a good time down the track.

“That’s not good enough for a Government rolling in taxpayer’s revenue.

“Up to 250 patients a week were being treated at the Farrar Clinic after-hours bulk billing service before the withdrawal of Territory Government funding forced it to close down.

“Families who once presented to the Farrar Clinic from Palmerston or the rural area, now have to travel to the Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department.

“The shock decision to withdraw funding stirred deep anger amongst the people of Palmerston and the rural area.

“Several petitions with more than 13000 signatures called upon the Territory Government to rescind their decision, but to no avail.

“The Farrar Clinic was opened in 2001 by the CLP Government as a 24 hour service to Palmerston and rural families.”

2008-05-06