NSW Health gets a major shake-up from new Regional Health Minister

Regional healthcare will undergo sweeping changes with a major shake-up of NSW Health giving one minister significant new powers.

NSW Health will be carved up under a major restructure to give Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor some teeth as she tackles the mammoth task of reforming healthcare in the bush.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the ministry will have a new regional health division overseen by Ms Taylor, giving her the power to make major changes independent of the approval of Health Minister Brad Hazzard.

New roles will be established in each regional health district that will be under her control and Ms Taylor said boosting the workforce and improving the rollout of virtual care were her top priorities.

A new Co-ordinator-General will lead the division and report to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce while also providing advice to Ms Taylor.

“Workforce is my absolute priority and looking across the system on how we can make sure we have a pipeline or workers and more longevity,” she said.

Ms Taylor was appointed as the Regional Health Minister late last year. Picture: Andrew McLean

Ms Taylor will be able to make decision independent of Health Minister Brad Hazzard . Picture Gaye Gerard

“We have to be brave and courageous with virtual. Virtual isn’t a replacement but it can be a helpful adjunct.”

She added that her division will also work to remove red tape in accessing the isolated patients travel and accommodation assistance scheme (IPTAAS).

The regional health coordinator will report to NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“IPTAAS is absolutely a priority. Again, the funding is there but we have to make sure the paperwork is not so cumbersome. We have to make this process that’s already so hard, as easy as possible for people.”

The move marks the first signs of Mr Hazzard giving up his territory despite Ms Taylor taking on the regional health portfolio at the end of last year after calls from the Telegraph.

It also hints at a notable shift in the pair’s relationships after they were previously reported to have faced-off in cabinet meetings.

Concerns had previously been raised among regional MPs that without a department or direct division, the new minister was not able to create meaningful change — including reforms in the wake of groundbreaking evidence from the regional health inquiry.

Ms Taylor was also grilled in a budget estimates hearing by the Opposition on how she intended to execute her new role if Mr Hazzard remained the department boss.

Independent Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr has been calling for a Regional Health Department. Picture: Ryan Osland

Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr had started a petition to create a new Department of Regional Health after fears the current structure had tied Ms Taylor’s hands.

“We now have a regional health minister in NSW, and I believe she needs the support of a department behind her,” he said.

“I think the Minister is very genuine in wanting to make a change and I applaud that. She recognises that the current structures aren’t working.”

Ms Taylor, who used to be a regional nurse before her foray into Macquarie Street, said she is not interested in “playing politics with healthcare”.

“I’ve always collaborated with Regional MPs. I know that evert member will not sing my praises but I will be fair,” she said.

Mr McGirr had also moved a notice of motion in parliament in February to get a stand-alone department.