The volunteer-led RFDS Community Transport program was launched in 2018 to provide eligible clients with free transport from home to health appointments.
The program operates across 12 local government areas in Victoria, and has more than 1500 active clients.
State MPs have suggested that funding of the program is set to run out within months.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said “this funding should be non-negotiable”.
“In my electorate alone, nearly 20,000 transport trips have been completed in Heathcote and across the north-east, demonstrating the enormous demand for this service.
“Without this program, many patients would be left with no practical or affordable way to reach medical specialists, and the consequences could be devastating.”
The government said funding for RFDS patient transport services comes from Primary Health Networks and Home and Community Care packages, which were funded by the Commonwealth.
“We support a range of patient transport services to help regional Victorians get the care they need, like the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme, which provides financial assistance to eligible Victorians who must travel a long way for specialist medical treatment,” a Victorian Government spokesperson said.
“We won’t take lectures from the Liberal National Party, who went to war with our paramedics, all the while cutting and privatising health services, when they were last in government.”
State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said this vital service should not go without funding.
“This program costs just over $2 million per year to operate, a tiny fraction of the wasteful spending we see from this government every single day,” Ms Broad said.
“In fact, the cost of fully expanding this service statewide over four years is comparable to just one day of the Labor Government’s interest payments on Victoria’s ballooning debt.
“This government cannot continue to ignore regional Victoria; funding this service must be an urgent priority.”
RFDS has also proposed a statewide expansion plan of the program, which would extend its reach to over 7500 clients across 48 LGAs, as opposed to the current 1500 active patients across 12 LGAs.
The Victorian Government said that, when this service may not be available, local councils, community groups and community transport providers may offer alternative transport options at a local level.
“Statewide support is also available through Red Cross Patient Transport and Federal Government schemes including My Aged Care and the NDIS,” the Victorian Government spokesperson said.
Further information on community transport providers available in specific regions can be found at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupports/community-transport-providers
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