Citizens' agenda: We want accessible and affordable health services
We ask the candidates for Barker at the 2025 federal election how they would create more accessible rural health services.
Health care services are continuing to get more complicated and expensive for the residents of Barker.
In the build up to Murray Bridge News' election forum next Monday night, the last citizens' agenda topic is certainly not least.
According to Murray Bridge News' 2025 citizens' agenda survey, Barker needs Medicare with dental services and more bulk bill options.
"The very people Medicare was designed for are being priced out of a health care system designed to help them," one respondent said.
"The most vulnerable can not get proper medical attention.
"In a wealthy country that is wrong and dental care is a important part of the solution.
"We are currently chasing future white elephants such as nuclear energy and nuclear submarines at the expense of a growing medical emergency."
Another agreed that Medicare should be available at dental clinics: "The cost and availability of needed dental procedures are out of reach for most," they said.
One more respondent listed health care issues they thought needed to be addressed:
- The waiting period to see a doctor
- No continuity of care
- Public system and cancellation of appointments
- Cost of excess above paid on private cover
Here's what the candidates say they will do about it.
Peri Strathearn
If elected, how would you make regional health services more accessible and affordable?
Tony Pasin (Liberal)
A Dutton led Liberal Government will invest an additional $9.4 billion into health, to address Labor’s healthcare crisis and ensure Australians have timely, affordable access to a doctor.
Under the Labor Government, bulk billing rates have fallen sharply by 11% from 88% to 77%.
We have led the way with a $400 million plan to grow a strong pipeline of homegrown GPs, bringing more GPs for families in regional Australia.
This includes an additional 200 medical training places guaranteed for the regions to tackle chronic rural health workforce shortages.
We will invest in mental health care including doubling the number of psychology sessions available under Medicare and a $400 million youth mental health package providing direct assistance to young Australians and their parents.
Only an elected Dutton Liberal Government will ensure that all Australians have access to quality healthcare, where and when they need it.
Rosa Hillam (independent)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Ms Hillam.
Jonathan Pietzsch (Nationals)
If elected I will actively continue the advocacy I already undertake around regional health care; health delivered in community by people living in community is critical to keeping young families and the elderly in the regions.
While front line health services are mainly a state responsibility there are a number of levers the federal government can use to encourage medical professionals to practice regionally.
These include policies like the reduction in HELP debt for time spent in the regions that the Nationals brought in when last in government.
Studies have shown that medical professionals that train in the regions are 75% more likely to stay and practice medicine in the bush and providing pathways for them to do so has to be a priority.
The Nationals have announced that we will put $100 million towards upgrading medical training facilities in regional Australia and provide 200 more Commonwealth funded training places.
Access to health in the regions has gone backwards over the last 40 years, in an age where technology is advancing rapidly this shouldn’t be the case.
I’ll be fighting to arrest the decline and provide better outcomes for those that don’t live close to a major hospital.
James Rothe (Labor)
As your Labor candidate I’m proud to talk about the action the Government is taking to improve health services, train GPs, and help regional South Australians access healthcare they deserve.
Labor has tripled the bulk-billing incentive for certain eligible individuals, which has seen over 85,000 extra bulk-billed GP visits in Barker.
Labor committed to the largest investment in the history of Medicare -set to deliver an extra 18 million GP visits each year.
This commitment will extend eligibility to every Australian -meaning nine out of ten GP visits will be bulk-billed by 2030.
Labor has focused on programs to increase doctors and GPs coming into the system.
The ‘Rural Generalist Training Scheme’ is also training rural doctors to provide more primary healthcare services.
The most important thing for voters to remember is -Labor created Medicare and only Labor will protect it.
Jennifer Troeth (One Nation)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Ms Troeth.
Michael Brohier (Family First)
Family First is committed to ensuring the regions receive the same level of care as those in the cities, to enable families to thrive.
As with many industries, one of the challenges regional health services face is encouraging young doctors/health practitioners to start and continue their careers in rural areas.
Family First will support programs to attract doctors to the country, developing holistic programs which will ensure young health practitioners enjoy their time in the country.
Family First also recognises the significance of improving mental health services in the region.
Whether it is support for farmers doing it tough or general mental health support, I will work with existing mental health care services and identify shortfalls in the existing system.
With these gaps well understood, I will then work collaboratively with locals to campaign for support from Canberra which adequately meets the needs of Barker.
Ian Penno (independent)
Regional health services remain limited, often requiring extended travel and accommodation for specialist care.
With urban expansion into the Barossa Valley and Murray Bridge, new major hospital complexes accessible via expressways and supported by available land, infrastructure, and resources in these areas are vital.
These sites are financially sensible and convenient for Riverland residents.
Mount Gambier also requires a scalable hospital to meet the south-eastern region’s growth.
Such health infrastructure will attract permanent medical professionals and support staff.
Facilities should prioritise ease of access by avoiding congested urban areas.
As Adelaide grows south and northeast, additional regional hospitals could meet this increasing demand.
To address nursing shortages, start nursing education in Year 10 with on-the-job study allowances, preparing students for hospital work by Year 12.
This practical approach has historically produced skilled nurses immediately after secondary school.
Robert Jameson (Trumpet of Patriots)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Mr Jameson.
Major Sumner (Greens)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Mr Sumner.
Cody Scholes (independent)
Strengthen our healthcare workforce by advocating for practitioners to have a greater scope of practice and more autonomy.
The Australian parliament directly interacts with agencies such as AHPRA who are responsible for registering our healthcare workers.
Registration was supposed to make it easier for clinicians to transfer between work sites -however, government red tape and bureaucracy gets in the way and prevents this.
Therefore, we have qualified and experienced healthcare workers who feel trapped and unappreciated who aren’t able to use their skills or to transfer to different locations or departments.
We need to invest in our people and our diagnostic equipment, focus on training our new staff on site and with experienced staff.
Cut the amount of exhausting mandatory training packages that are forced onto our healthcare workers.
It is unacceptable that regional people are denied GP appointments or doctors in emergency departments while still paying taxes in full.
Meet the candidates for Barker
Murray Bridge News will be hosting a free election forum at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge from 7pm next Monday, April 28.
Hear from the candidates and ask your questions before deciding how you will cast your vote the following Saturday.
All of Murray Bridge News’ election coverage is free to read, but you can help us cover our costs, and keep local voters informed, by making a donation.
