MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster rejected an offer to have a government representative attend her Regional Health Workforce Summit in Mildura this week.
The two-day event brought together 132 delegates from the health sector, to discuss challenges facing rural and regional health professionals.
Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston was in attendance, however, no members of government were present.
Health Minister Mark Butler was invited to attend the summit, but he was unavailable.
Labor Senator Jana Stewart had requested to attend, but the offer was rejected.
A letter from Mr Butler’s office, dated February 21, was sent to Dr Webster’s office, requesting that Senator Stewart’s rejected request be reconsidered.
“Senator Stewart is a representative of the Australian Government and as such, I would expect her to be in attendance at the Summit as my representative,” Mr Butler wrote.
“As you are aware, Senator Stewart has significant experience in rural and regional issues in Victoria and will be available to work on constructive solutions to the many health workforce challenges inherited by this Government.”
In a letter dated February 23, Dr Webster replied: “As I pointed out to the Senator, many MPs and Senators have requested an invitation, but due to the number of professionals and peak bodies, I have not accepted any requests,” Dr Webster wrote.
“I would welcome the Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, if she would like to attend.
“Please be assured that other than yourself, the only politician that has been invited is the Shadow Minister Anne Ruston. “If the Assistant Minister Emma McBride can attend the Summit, I would ask her to contact my office as soon as possible.”
When asked on Thursday about the lack of government representation, Dr Webster said Mr Butler and Ms McBride were invited, and couldn’t attend.
She said the discussions held across the two-day summit will be collated, and put into policy form.
“Obviously Senator Anne Ruston and myself will certainly be lobbying the government with the outcome of this summit, but the peaks who are represented here have a voice into the office of Minister Butler, and we would obviously encourage, and I’m sure that they’re going to be taking the outcome of this summit to him directly,” Dr Webster said.
