One of Australia's worst diphtheria outbreaks has highlighted a shortfall in health workers in remote communities as a multimillion-dollar package is rolled out to help contain the disease's spread.
Health Minister Mark Butler reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated, but the peak nursing body said difficulties filling nursing and GP roles in remote and regional areas undermined the ability to meet vaccination targets.
"Now, more than ever, we need strong, secure plans to make sure every part of Australia has proper health coverage," Australian College of Nursing acting chief executive officer Zach Byfield said in a statement.
"We need funding reform that enables nurses to lead vaccination clinics where and when they are needed."
More than 230 diphtheria cases have been recorded across Australia in mostly Indigenous communities - about 30 times the usual yearly average and the biggest outbreak since national records began.
