Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has urged the State and Federal governments to find a solution to the closure of the Kalbarri Doctors Surgery, saying local governments can not afford to continue to step in where higher levels of government have failed.
On Tuesday, it was revealed the clinic in the coastal town of Kalbarri would be closing, leaving it without a doctor for the foreseeable future.
Ms Warr said it was a failure of higher levels of Government.
“The Prime Minister last year boasted that all people would need to receive medical treatment was a Medicare card, yet we are seeing in regional WA this is not the case,” she said.
“Tuesday’s announcement of the Kalbarri Doctors Surgery closure is a clear example of how regional residents won’t be able to easily access basic healthcare, and those in Kalbarri will need to make a four-hour round trip just to see a doctor.
“The flow on effects it could have for the community, for local businesses, and for doctors in Geraldton are significant.”
Ms Warr was adamant that local governments should not bear the responsibility of health, where the State and Federal governments have failed.
“Local governments do not have the funding to subsidise medical services in their regions, but they have done so to deliver for their communities,” she said.
“It means ratepayers are forced to pay to see a doctor both through their rates, and when they seek medical treatment.
“Local governments can’t continue to be dumping grounds for where the State and Federal governments have failed.”
Ms Warr said she had been following up with the Shire and with stakeholders to work towards a solution for the community in Kalbarri.
