As a demonstration of the Government's commitment to the Royal
Flying Doctor Service I today announce a new $82 million agreement,
to provide high level emergency health care to Australians in isolated
areas.
From 1 July 1998 the Commonwealth will enter a five year agreement
with the National Office of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, providing
$16.56 million a year.
The new agreement recognises the Government's determination to
deliver effective health services in rural and remote areas. It also
provides the Flying Doctor with certainty about future funding and
encourages better operational planning.
The Flying Doctor is not only an essential part of the existing rural
and remote health infrastructure, but it also complements other Howard
Government initiatives, including outreach specialist services, the
establishment of university departments of rural health around Australia,
funding arrangements for divisions of general practice and Aboriginal
health services.
This week the royal Flying Doctor Service celebrates 70 years of operation.
Throughout that time the Flying Doctor has played an indispensable
role in providing health and related services to remote and rural
communities throughout Australia.
It quite rightly has become an Australian national icon for the high
principles, resourcefulness and daring of its dedicated health professionals.
Since its inception in 1928, the Flying Doctor has provided continuous
service to rural and remote communities and has retained the ideals
envisaged by its founder, the Reverend Dr John Flynn.
Over the past decade more than 1.2 million people have received medical
services from the flying doctor. I congratulate the Royal Flying Doctor
Service on reaching 70 years of consistently high health service to
people in the bush.