16 July 2020
The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) notes the significant economic, social, emotional and physical effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Australians and calls on all levels of government to prioritise assisting the most disadvantaged Australians when considering the ongoing response to the pandemic.
The pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in unemployment and underemployment, and a consequential increase in poverty, financial distress and associated mental health issues, coupled with a reduction in access to all aspects of essential health care. There is a long-established link between unemployment, poverty and poor physical and mental health outcomes.
Continued in PDF.
