Federal Labor has called on the Government to ensure the safety of health workers working in isolated environments across Australia.

Following the tragic death of remote nurse Gayle Woodford, who was killed in the South Australian community of Fregon recently, Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash has today convened a meeting of remote health representatives.

It is vital that Senator Nash listens carefully to the concerns of those working in remote areas and acts to protect nurses performing similar roles to Ms Woodford.

Remote nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system in many isolated communities where services are few and far between.

The Government must decisively to put in place a strategy to minimise the risks associated with violence and aggressive behaviour directed at health workers.

Labor is committed to working closely with professional organisations such as remote health worker organisation Council for Remote Area Nursing (CRANAplus), the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Association to protect these workers.

We have an obligation to make sure they live and work in a safe environment.