Patient Assistance Transport Scheme

The Hon. S.L. GAME (15:24): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to asking a question of the Attorney-General representing the Minister for Health and Wellbeing concerning the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: The Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, colloquially known as PATS, has been a lifeline for South Australian regional people needing expert medical care and treatment for decades, providing a rebate when a patient and escort reside more than 100 kilometres away from the nearest treating specialist, a treatment is claimable under Medicare and any benefits from a private health fund have been exhausted. The rebates of this important scheme have not been updated to keep in line with current and rapid inflation. Can the minister please advise when regional South Australians needing transport and accommodation cost assistance for life-saving care are going to receive adequate rebates to real expenses?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Attorney-General, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:25): I thank the honourable member for her question in relation to the PAT Scheme, and I will refer it to the minister in another place and bring back a reply.