THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health
and Regional Services Delivery
25 September 2009
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE RESEARCH DISCUSSION IN ALICE
Researchers examining better ways to provide primary health care to rural and remote
communities today gathered in Alice Springs to showcase and share the results of their work.
Delivering the opening speech at the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and
Development Tri-State Conference, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional
Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, said research and reform go hand
in hand, and at this critical juncture for Australia’s health service delivery, the collaboration of
universities and researchers is essential.
The conference brings together primary health care researchers and practitioners with a special
focus on rural and remote health care, and is sponsored by the Australian Government’s
Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Strategy (PHCRED).
Since 2000, the Australian Government has invested more than $100 million in the Primary
Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development Strategy.
Mr Snowdon said the PHCRED strategy was now entering a new phase.
“As well as building on its past achievements, PHCRED will be targeted to meet future policy
and research priorities of the National Primary Health Care Strategy and the broader health
reform agenda,” he said.
Mr Snowdon encouraged the experts attending the conference to comment on the three major
reports informing the health reform process: the National Health and Hospitals Reform
Commission’s (NHHRC) final report, the Draft National Strategy on Primary Health Care and
the National Preventative Health Strategy.
“The Rudd Government already has in place a number of new programs to improve rural and
remote service, including greater incentives for doctors to work remotely, a new rural GP
locum program and the creation of 35 GP Super Clinics in under-serviced communities,” said
Mr Snowdon.
“But all three reports agree that to deliver better outcomes for all Australians, our health
system needs to be more focussed on prevention of disease, have more teamwork among
health professionals, and greater equity and access for people in rural and remote areas, and
Indigenous Australians.
“Everyone should take the opportunity to contribute to the national debate on the future of
Media contact: Kate Sieper 0488 484 689.
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