Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Eastern Victoria Region

Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (15:41): (462) Data shows that people living in rural and remote areas have higher rates of hospitalisation and injury and have poorer access to and use of primary healthcare services than people living in major cities. This is why allied health services are crucial, particularly in areas like the Eastern Victoria Region, where people have less access to healthcare services than their city counterparts. Chiropractors are well positioned to help manage and reduce the significant burden to the public healthcare system, particularly from back pain, neck pain and headaches. Thousands of my constituents seek chiropractic care every week, and it is their health care of choice. However, without any consultation with students, patients or the industry, it seems that RMIT have pulled their chiropractic training course. My question is to the Minister for Health. Given that this will severely impact the burden of health on our public health system, was the minister consulted before RMIT made the decision to discontinue their course?