AUS: Deputy PM Welcomes Rural Health Funding

11 August 1999 A115/99

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson today welcomed the grant of $1.5 million to the National Rural Health Alliance announced by Health Minister Michael Wooldridge.

"With almost a third of Australians living outside the major cities, it is vital those people also have access to adequate health services and the required infrastructure," Mr Anderson said.

"This latest allocation is another concrete example of the Federal Government looking after rural and remote Australia."

The National Rural Health Alliance is made up of 20 national organisations. Its broad definition of health includes mental, physical, spiritual and community well being of individuals and their communities.

The Alliance aims to improve the health outcomes for all Australians living and working in rural and remote areas. Alliance policy is driven by the principle of social justice and the right of all Australians, wherever they live, to have comprehensive and accessible health services.

"The grant will allow the Alliance to maintain an office in Canberra, conduct much needed research and projects on rural health issues, produce literature, and to hold their annual conference.

"There can be few more worthy recipients of funds. The people of rural, remote and regional Australia deserve the very best all-round health and community services. I welcome this grant from the Federal Department of Health."

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