Media Release

18 May 2017: Following the Mareeba Hospital meeting on 2 May, where over 1000 concerned residents voiced their support, KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter is calling on the State and Federal Government’s to deliver adequate services at the Mareeba hospital and has written to doctors in Mackay on the opportunities available in Mareeba.

“We have written to every doctor in Mackay. There’s been a very significant loss of population in the Mackay area and if there are doctors in Mackay considering relocation, then we are seeing if we can get doctors from there to come up to Mareeba,” Mr Katter said.

“But in the meantime I will insist upon a meeting with the new Federal Health Minister.

“We’ll ask for a special incentive fund.

“With a lot of young and inexperienced doctors in hospitals, a lot of acute illness will go to the more experienced local GP.

“But the skills, time and risk involved increases dramatically when you’re dealing with cancer, heart and liver disease - rather than a prescription for the flu or a cut on the leg. It’s pretty tough to ask these people to bulk bill.

“The irony is that Mareeba is near the home and in the electorate of Edward ‘Red Ted’ Theodore who introduced the free hospital system.

“Red Ted’s incoming Labor Government introduced a free hospital system - the epitome of economical, nationalism and a ‘fair go’ for all.

“Now unless you have a serious emergency or a serious illness then you do not get free hospital access in Mareeba, as is the case in so many other towns throughout Queensland. The politicians have cleverly kidnapped a quarter of the free hospital system out from under us.

“One of our proudest achievements as Australians was to introduce one of the first free hospital systems in the world. The irony is, it is a classic example of where a quarter of the system has vanished into privatisation.

“Well the people have demonstrated clearly, that they’re not going to cop it.

“We will endeavor with the involvement of State Members, KAP and independents Billy Gordon and Rob Pyne,” Mr Katter said.