Mental health and rural GPs top NSW bush recovery agenda

There will be moves to improve GP and specialist access in the bush in an attempt to help drive the region as Australia rebuilds after the pandemic.

A bush-led recovery will help Australia rebuild after the pandemic with a mental health roundtable to support regional NSW residents, moves to improve GP and specialist access and opportunities for agriculture trade all flagged as key drivers for the new future.

Following The Daily Telegraph’s Bush Summit, federal and state governments have pledged to address concerns about regional health, housing, energy security and trade opportunities, which were identified in a communique following the 2021 event last month.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that after several years plagued by drought, fires, floods and the pandemic, the government would “secure” regional NSW’s recovery.

As regional NSW begins to recover state and federal governments have committed to address key concerns around jobs, health and services identified during the Daily Telegraph Bush Summit. Picture: Nikki Short

“From the Hunter and the Central Coast out to NSW’s north and west, we’re backing businesses to succeed and create jobs,” he said.

How governments respond on key measures, including improving access to essential services, boosting GP numbers and accelerating affordable housing in the bush, will be tracked in the coming year.

Mr Morrison said his government would continue to focus on manufacturing, energy security, mining, agriculture, health and education in regional and rural Australia in the lead-up to the next federal election.

Regional Health Minister David Gillespie acknowledges the ‘anguish’ caused by lack of GPs in the bush. Picture: AAP Image

Regional Health Minister David Gillespie said: “I am working on further ways to make it easier and more attractive to get more GPs, nurses, allied health professionals and specialists to the bush,” he said.

NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor has told the Telegraph she is open to holding a round table on mental health in Dubbo.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the government was “well on its way” to its 2030 target of $100bn in annual farmgate production.