The current home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Tasmania has served the community for 20 years. The Albanese Labor Government is committed to updating the site to ensure it can provide the service Tasmanians deserve.
This redevelopment will include facilities for world-class clinical care, as well as adequate capacity for rotary and fixed win aircrafts, ground vehicle transfers and the space needed to cater for surge workers through either infectious disease outbreaks or for fire service personnel in times of high bushfire danger.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service will receive $15 million of funding from the Albanese Government to make this project a reality, delivering on an election commitment.
Over 2,300 flights are undertaken by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania each year providing crucial aero-medical and patient transport for Tasmanians.
A 2022 Royal Flying Doctor Service research report series, entitled Best for the Bush, Rural and Remote Health Base Line 2022 demonstrates significantly poorer health outcomes for people with limited access to primary health services; people in rural and remote locations have a mortality rate one and a half times higher than those in major cities.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania delivers lifesaving care through better ageing services, clinic charter services, health education/training/promotion, primary care outreach and road transfers.
This project will be delivered through the Investing in Our Communities Program which is a closed, one-off grant round for 2022 election commitments.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is currently completing the application process to receive the funds.
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown:
“This is just one of a number of health commitments the Albanese Labor Government is delivering across Tasmania – including three Urgent Care Clinics across the state.
“The redevelopment will include facilities for world-class clinical care, right here in Tasmania.”
Quotes attributed to Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell:
“The current home of the RFDS in Tasmania has served our community well for 20 years, but it is clear it is no longer adequate to provide the services Tasmanians deserve.
“My electorate takes up a large part of Tasmania, the RDFS is invaluable, and I am so proud the Albanese Labor Government is providing the Royal Flying Doctor Service with funds to build a new world-class facility.
“We promised this funding and we are delivering on that promise.”
Quotes attributed to Senator Helen Polley:
“Tasmanians deserve the very best health care – no matter if they live in one of our urban areas or find themselves in the bush.
“By securing the future of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Launceston Airport, we are ensuring that this essential service retains its central location and accessibility to Tasmanians in all corners of the state.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service plays a critical role in tackling chronic disease and reducing the rate of hospital admissions across the state.”
