Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I certainly accept that in areas across the regions and particularly where there are workforce shortages as well, which affects regional communities, accessing healthcare services can be difficult. There is a very strong regional communications package in this budget which goes to strengthening regional communities' access to internet and at good speeds. So that is part of it.

But, again, I think the clinical preference is to have face to face, in person or video presence, for consultations, particularly for complex care, and often geriatric or elderly care falls under that criteria. If there are other options available, I'm sure the minister will engage with you, recognising there are some particular challenges in Tasmania with accessing primary health care. We've got urgent care clinics and— (Time expired)