The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
MEDIA RELEASE
14 April 2022
Additional primary care support and services for homeless Australians
The Morrison Government is providing $3 million in grant funding to Street Side Medics, who provide access to primary care services to some of our most vulnerable Australians.
Street Side Medics is a Sydney-based Australian not-for-profit company providing GP-led medical services to the homeless community.
Operating from a mobile van, Street Side Medics provides primary care services, including health examinations, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, and producing and implementing health care plans.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said Street Side Medics provided vital primary care services and support to many Australians who otherwise may not have access to a GP.
“Homelessness affects more than 116,000 Australians of all ages, who tend to be amongst the most socially and economically disadvantaged,” Minister Hunt said.
“People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of poor health outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality.”
Australians at particular risk of homelessness include people who have experienced family and domestic violence, young people, children on care and protection orders, Indigenous Australians, and people aged 55 or older.
“Street Side Medics performs an essential frontline service, providing access to GP-led medical care,” Minister Hunt said.
“This funding will enable an extension of Street Side Medics’ capability and geographic reach to ensure more people have access to primary care.”
Street Side Medics is also supported by health care specialists providing cardiology, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, physiotherapy and podiatry services.
Support for Street Side Medics aligns with the Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan, providing access to appropriate care for people at risk of poorer health outcomes as is part of the Morrison Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
–ENDS-