CALL FOR IPTAAS EXPANSION TO SUPPORT RURAL PATIENTS AMID HIGH COST-OF-LIVING, FUEL PRICES

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is calling on the NSW Government to increase subsidy rates under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), to support rural patients accessing life-saving care.

IPTAAS provides financial assistance to patients who must travel for specialist medical treatment not available locally, subsidising travel and accommodation costs.

However, patients using a private vehicle receive only 40 cents per kilometre and must travel at least 100 kilometres one-way to qualify.

Ms Cooke said the current criteria leave patients in towns like Narrandera, Temora and Cootamundra without support when travelling to Wagga Wagga for specialist care.

“Specialist services cause patients enough financial pressure, without factoring in how you will afford to get to appointments, and the last thing we want to see is patients delay care because of this,” Ms Cooke said.

“Specialist care isn’t just around the corner in rural NSW, and even a short trip can mean hours on the road and a tank of fuel people simply can’t afford, especially today.”

Ms Cooke is also calling for IPTAAS to be expanded to cover patients travelling for life-saving screening, as well as an increase to accommodation subsidies, which currently sit at $75 per night for short stays and $120 for longer stays.

She said the current rates do not reflect the real cost of accommodation, particularly for patients who must stay near major hospitals for extended periods.

“Early detection saves lives, but it only works if people can afford to get there,” Ms Cooke said.

“We should be encouraging people to access screening, and investing in this now reduces pressure on the health system later and leads to better outcomes for patients.”

Ms Cooke said accommodation costs are another major burden for rural families already under pressure.

“The last thing they should be worrying about is how they’re going to pay for a place to stay, so we need subsidies to reflect the real cost of a night away from home.”

Her call builds on recent advocacy for expanded cost-of-living and fuel relief, including support for families through the School Drive Subsidy and a fuel-for-harvest guarantee for farmers.

Ms Cooke said practical measures like these are essential to supporting regional communities.

“People in regional NSW are doing it tough, and they deserve practical, targeted support that recognises the realities of life outside the city,” Ms Cooke said.

“The NSW Government needs to ensure that where you live doesn’t determine the care you can access or the financial burden you carry to get it.”