13th April 2026
Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson is calling on the NSW Government to increase support for rural and regional patients travelling for medical care as fuel prices continue to climb.
Mrs Thompson said the current 40 cents per kilometre subsidy under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) is no longer keeping pace with the real cost of travel.
“People across the Myall Lakes often have no choice but to travel long distances to access specialist care,” Mrs Thompson said.
“With fuel prices rising, those trips are becoming more and more expensive, and the current subsidy simply isn’t enough.”
Mrs Thompson has joined with NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh and Shadow Minister for Regional Health Sarah Mitchell to call on the Minns Government to urgently review and temporarily increase the kilometre rate to better reflect current fuel costs.
“We don’t want to see anyone delay or miss essential healthcare because they can’t afford to get there,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Families are already under pressure with the cost of living, and for regional communities, fuel is not optional – it’s essential.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Sarah Mitchell said increasing the IPTAAS travel rate is a simple, practical step the government could take immediately to better support regional patients.
“This is a straightforward change that would make a real difference right now,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“Access to healthcare should never depend on your postcode.”
