Tuross Head Progress Association

Where you live should not dictate when and how you get the healthcare you need, but for many communities on the Far South Coast like Tuross Head, that is the reality.

As reported in The Daily Telegraph on 10 January 2025, seniors face the highest risk where there is “inadequate access to healthcare” based on the percentage of the population aged 65 or over and the number of healthcare facilities within five kilometres.

Retired doctor, Arn Sprogis, Chair of the Tuross Head Progress Association (THPA) Health Subcommittee said it is not the age of the population that is the issue, it is decades of underfunding for healthcare that has led to an $80 million per year funding deficit for the Far South Coast.

This has resulted in higher death rates, prolonged periods of illness and increased suffering compared to metropolitan communities.

“Tuross Head is a beautiful seaside town and a popular spot for retirees and holiday makers but was rated as the second worst place for seniors to live for access to healthcare in Australia. This is a national disgrace and shines a light on 40 years of neglect by governments from both major political parties who have treated rural communities with indifference and failed the test of equity.”

The 2023 National Rural Health Alliance NOUS REPORT identified underfunding for all rural communities of $1000 per person (2025 estimate adjusted for inflation and population) and a new analysis by the Grattan Institute of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data assessed that half a million Australians primarily in rural communities are living in “GP deserts”.

The Tuross Head Progress Association (THPA), representing the Tuross Head community, is leading the call for the funding and delivery of equitable health care for all communities on the NSW Far South Coast.

“We are not asking for special treatment or more funding per person for our communities, we are asking for the same funding as city populations. With equal funding, we can have the best access and quality of GP and other primary care in Australia, not the worst,” Dr Sprogis said.

“Healthcare is a major local community issue and lack of access impacts everyone. All patients, no matter where they live, should be able to see a GP on the same day for urgent care and within two days for routine care.”

The THPA is campaigning for a bipartisan commitment from all candidates in Eden Monaro and Gilmore for the 2025 federal election to:

• Fix the 40-year history of neglect by all political parties when in government to access to healthcare in the Far South Coast.

• Guarantee equality in healthcare funding in Far South Coast communities when compared to city populations on a per person basis.

• Fix the current healthcare financing system which has significantly disadvantaged rural communities for 40 years.

• Focus initial funding on increased access to medical care in each township to be delivered by teams of GPs and associated primary care providers.

The THPA is not seeking monetary donations but does want the support of individuals, community organisations and businesses across the Far South Coast.

You can show your support by endorsing the campaign on the form at www.thpa.com.au/health-2025