I HOPE you have had a restful Christmas and a good new year break with your family and friends.
A new year is always exciting, with new opportunities. Over the past 12 months as shadow assistant minister for regional health, I have been working hard on policy that will ensure people who live in regional Australia have better access to health care.
My health-care policies are being costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and I look forward to sharing them with you soon.
Rest assured, they will work to address the immediate and long-term need for more doctors, specialists, allied health and nurses in regional Australia.
Nine million people – nearly a third of Australia’s population – live in our regions and experience a greater burden of chronic health and premature death, in part due to inadequate health services.
This year, as we head closer to the next federal election, it is a priority for me that the health needs of regional people are at the forefront.
We need policies that help regional Australians, not just those who wake up to a city skyline.
In addition to health care, I am continuing to fight for our farming communities, including standing up to the reckless railroading of transmission lines through prime farming land, challenging mineral sands companies and specifically projects that will force farmers out of their homes, as well as fighting the Federal Government who will rip water out of irrigation communities through buybacks and slap a biosecurity levy on farmers for the risks imposed by their international competitors.
It is critical the voices of the people of Mallee are heard in Canberra.
It has been a pleasure to serve you as your federal member since 2019, and I look forward to continuing to represent you in 2024.
As The Nationals finalise policies to take to the next election, as always, I welcome your thoughts.
You can reach out to me on 5021 5987 or anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au.
I wish you a wonderful 2024.
