Deb Frecklington
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington

January 10, 2013

Rural and regional Queenslanders seeking medical treatment will welcome the doubling of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme which comes into effect this month.

The PTSS mileage subsidy rate has doubled to 30 cents per kilometre while the accommodation subsidy rate has also doubled to $60 per person per night for patients staying in commercial accommodation.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the State Government had doubled the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme to help ease the gap in access to healthcare for rural and regional Queenslanders.

“The scheme now provides greater support for patients to access specialist health services that are more than 50km away from their closest public hospital,” Mrs Frecklington said.

“This much-needed boost will help ease the financial burden and stress for all constituents of the Nanango Electorate who must travel to major centres to access health services.

“This is the first time since 1987 that the accommodation subsidy has been increased.

“The previous Labor government increased the petrol mileage subsidy by just 5 cents per kilometre in 2007, but this increase truly helps patients who have to travel long distances.

“Doubling the PTSS means patients and in some cases, their carers, now have more assistance than ever to help them travel to receive the health care they require.

“In September, the Premier and Health Minister announced these changes, fulfilling another election commitment, and this month marks an exciting milestone as these increases take effect.”

PTSS is available to Queensland residents only. Residents of another State or territory will need to apply to the relevant jurisdiction for assistance.