We call on the Queensland Minister for Health, Queensland Health and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service to review and reform the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) to ensure that rural and remote patients and their caregivers are supported with safe and appropriate accommodation. The PTSS is intended to support eligible patients who must travel to access essential healthcare services not available in their community. Access to healthcare is widely recognised as a basic human right.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients living in remote communities, accessing essential healthcare requires travelling over 1,000 kilometres away from home. In these circumstances, approved caregivers play a critical role. They support patients with daily care needs, assist with Indigenous language interpretation and communication with medical staff including cultural support to help patients engage effectively with essential health services.

This issue reflects broader challenges faced by rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across Queensland when accessing essential healthcare services. 

Why this petition matters
Queensland patients travelling from remote communities face significant out-of-pocket costs and challenges when accessing accommodation during their medical journey. Concerns have also been raised about whether current PTSS-supported accommodation consistently meets the needs of patients and their caregivers during stays of more than two days. 

These concerns include access to appropriate facilities for cooking and washing, as well as the ability to maintain a clean, stable and culturally appropriate living environment while away from home. 

By signing, the  petition calls for

1. A review of PTSS accommodation standards to ensure accommodation is clean, properly maintained, free from insects and mould and provides appropriate and secure facilities for patients and caregivers.
2.  Improved access to safe, suitable and culturally appropriate self-contained accommodation with access to kitchen facilities for patients and approved caregivers, particularly for stays of two days or more.
3. Clearer guidance and consistent application of PTSS discretion provisions, including for stays of two days or more where appropriate.
4. Remove all out-of-pocket expenses for rural and remote patients and their caregivers accessing essential healthcare.