$5.1 million Boost for Health Worker Accommodation in Far West NSW

The lack of healthcare workers in rural and remote NSW has been a longstanding issue, and one of the biggest barriers to recruitment is the availability of accommodation. The NSW Government’s investment of $5.1 million in health worker housing in Far Western NSW is a step in the right direction to address this crisis. 

For too long, rural communities in Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wentworth, Buronga, and Dareton have struggled to attract and retain essential health workers due to the severe shortage of suitable housing. This funding, part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program, will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers across regional NSW by building new accommodation, refurbishing existing living quarters, and purchasing suitable properties. 

Helen Dalton, Member for Murray, welcomes the investment but stresses the need for greater action: 

“It is critical we attract and keep health workers in Far West NSW. A boost to accommodation facilities will hopefully encourage more key health workers to remote and rural locations. 

“Rural healthcare has been neglected for far too long. While this investment is welcome, it barely scratches the surface of the issues we face in regional health. Our hospitals remain understaffed, our paramedics are overworked, and patients often have to travel long distances just to see a doctor. 

“We need more than just housing – we need better pay and working conditions for our health workers, increased funding for local health services, and an urgent overhaul of the failing Murrumbidgee Local Health District. ‘’With the rental market in crisis and a severe lack of affordable housing across regional NSW, dedicated accommodation for health workers is a crucial step. By ensuring secure and comfortable living arrangements, communities in the Far West stand a better chance of retaining essential healthcare professionals. 

Helen Dalton will continue pushing for further investment in rural health services to ensure country communities receive the same standard of care as those in the city. 

“The government must go beyond token funding announcements and make meaningful, long-term investments in regional health. Our communities deserve better.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:  

"The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.”  

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government and this $5.1 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare staff to Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wentworth, Buronga and Dareton.” 

“The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support Far West LHD in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.” 

quotes attributable to Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:  

“The Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in the Far West LHD will prove invaluable to help attract and retain more health workers in the Far West NSW.  

 “The availability of health worker accommodation, in a tight rental market, will make the transition much easier for health workers contemplating a move to the Far West. The additional accommodation located on the hospital grounds will help with the supply of rental properties by reducing the number of health workers in the rental market. 

 “Attracting and retaining health workers will, in turn, have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of my constituents, through continuity of care and the development of strong relationships with their local health professionals." 

Media Contact: Brian.Roberts@parliament.nsw.gov.au