LABOR Member for Braddon and Deputy Leader Anita Dow described her visit to King Island and meeting with Mayor Marcus Blackie as forming a “partnership with local government, to know what’s needed and to find out what is needed on the ground”.
Much of the visit focused on the health needs of the island.
“Labor plans to invest in district hospitals in Tasmania and to establish services closer to home where there is chronic illness and aging,” Ms Dow said.
“Labor has announced a $6.5m fund to add or meet additional infrastructure needs.
“My meetings have included talking to community members to improve medical services on the island.
“I have heard from Islanders that they have PTAS issues, particularly around allied health services.
“Other issues are attracting and retaining health practitioners to the island.
“We are looking at more incentives to make rural and remote practice a more attractive long-term career option for doctors and nurse practitioners, and the need for island paramedics.”
The Department of Health is still recruiting for the role of Director of Nursing at the King Island Hospital.
Having visited King Island earlier in the month for the King Island racing season, Labor Senator Anne Urquhart was back on the Island last week to mark the opening of the King Island Hub by turning the sod and concentrate on island issues. The North-West based Senator has a keen interest in King Island and she said that there were key matters that she wanted to fully understand.
“I am aware of the drought conditions that farmers are facing on the island, and I met with them to ensure they knew of the federal and state drought relief programs,” she said.
“I also wanted to discuss the call for submissions by the Department of Environment around threatened species King Island Scrub Complex clearing. I understand that submitting is not the easiest and I wanted to find out where I can best help them.
“I also want to fully understand the King Island shipping issues and in particular what is needed for a safe harbour in Grassy. It’s important that this is looked at – there is an opportunity right now to use the mine overburden, and this could increase efficiency, and allow more and bigger ships to come to King Island and with the mine developing, there’s the potential for opening up more opportunities.
“I’ve also had talks about worker accommodation, the difficulties of getting workers to the island, and aviation – a lot of discussions on the island to understand what King Island and King Islanders need.
“As a federal politician, I can connect a few different angles, and in different ways.
“I can connect with the right people, network, advise and directly bring the island’s needs to the right people to get things done.”