Ronald McDonald House Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s continued investment in strengthening Australia’s healthcare system through the Federal Budget announced on 12 May 2026.
Investments into public hospitals, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services and additional PBS listings will help improve access to healthcare for many Australians.
But for families travelling for their child’s treatment, the challenges often extend far beyond the hospital system.
When a child needs treatment at a children’s hospital away from home, families are often navigating emotional stress, financial pressure, disrupted work and long periods away from their support networks. Staying together during this time can make a significant difference to how families cope.
Across Australia, more families are being required to travel long distance for their child’s treatment while also navigating rising living costs and limited affordable accommodation near major hospitals. While patient travel assistance schemes provide important support, many families still face significant financial and emotional pressure during treatment.
Demand for family-centred accommodation and support services continues to grow, particularly in regional and rural communities where access to specialist care often requires families to travel far from home.
Ronald McDonald House Australia continues to advocate for greater recognition and investment in family-centred accommodation and support services as an essential part of the healthcare experience for families.
We know families cope better when they stay together. Helping families remain close to one another during treatment is not just important for emotional wellbeing – it helps create better outcomes for families navigating complex medical journeys.
Ronald McDonald House Australia looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Government and stakeholders to support families across the country.