ACRRM Calls for $130 Million Investment to Bolster the Rural Generalist Workforce
With a federal election looming, ACRRM is urging the government to invest $130 million to strengthen Australia’s Rural Generalist (RG) workforce and secure the future of rural healthcare.
In its 2025-2026 federal budget submission, ACRRM is calling for:
$100 million over four years to expand the flagship RG pathway, aiming to increase training positions to 500 registrars per year.
$30 million annually to support prevocational training in rural communities, helping medical graduates transition into careers as rural GPs and RGs.
Be recognised for your rural or remote medical experience.
The pathway to FACRRM through Rural Experienced Entry to Fellowship (REEF) is now streamlined so you can be recognised for your skills and experience in rural and remote medicine.
REEF applicants no longer need to undertake assessments including mandatory multi-source feedback or case-based discussions and instead asked to:
pay a one-time application fee of $499
demonstrate five or more years of rural practice since gaining Fellowship or specialist registration
provide two letters of recommendation from Fellows of ACRRM
undertake a structured interview with an experienced Fellow of ACRRM (FACRRM)
Click below to learn more about your eligibility for REEF and how to apply today.
Hailing from the picturesque town of Kapunda in South Australia, Dr Lisa White is a dedicated Rural Generalist Anaesthetist with a passion for serving her local community.
With over 16 years of rural experience, Lisa was able to achieve Fellowship through the Rural Experienced Entry to Fellowship (REEF) program at ACRRM.
“I encourage anyone who regards themselves a Rural Generalist to consider the REEF program to formally acknowledge the expert skills they contribute to their community.”
Reminder: Record your 2024 CPD Activities by 28 February
Our records indicate some of our members are yet to upload their CPD activities for 2024. The College recommends members log in and check their CPD Home to ensure they have recorded all activities in their ACRRM CPD Home and are showing as compliant on their dashboard.
This must be completed no later than 28 February 2025. It is important to note that this is a strict deadline, as the Medical Board of Australia has advised that no grace periods will apply this year. Non-compliance may impact your Ahpra registration.
If you have been unable to meet your CPD requirements due to extenuating circumstances, please click here to apply for an exemption or extension before 28 February.
Join us for an ACRRM Member Networking Event in Boorloo (Perth)!
We’re heading to WA for an exclusive members-only networking event on Friday, 21 March, and you’re invited!
Whether you're attending the WA Rural Health Conference or just in town, this is a great chance to connect with ACRRM staff and fellow rural health professionals over drinks and light refreshments.
Date: Friday 21 March Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Venue:Mas Vino Wine Bar – Pan Pacific Perth, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000
This event is free to attend, included as part of your ACRRM membership, but please RSVP by 14 March for catering purposes.
The College Constitution is being reviewed - Share your thoughts
Learn more at our webinar on Thursday 27 February
The ACRRM Constitution was first published in 1997 and revised in 2014. Ten years on, we are undertaking a thorough review to ensure that ACRRM remains relevant, sustainable, and equipped to support our members and staff.
The review has been overseen by the Constitution Review Working Group, made up of ACRRM Board and Council members, and supported by the College's legal advisors, Russell Kennedy. The proposed changes are outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum available on the ACRRM website.
Click below to join our webinar and have your say on proposed changes before consultation closes.
ACRRM is dedicated to delivering the highest quality medical care for Australians living in rural, remote, and First Nations communities. To ensure Rural Generalists are well equipped to meet the evolving needs of these communities, we're reviewing our curriculum.
The curriculum outlines the competencies and standards essential for the practice of Rural Generalist medicine.
The College wants your input on the needs of the communities you serve, and the capabilities required for future Rural Generalists to continue to support patients and thrive in their careers.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts below.
DVA has made minor administrative updates to the Notes for Allied Health Providers (Section one – General), Notes for Allied Health Providers (Section2(f) – Exercise Physiologists), and Notes for General Practitioners. There are no changes to existing provider rules or regulations.
Caring@home enews
caring@home develops and provides nationally consistent, practical and evidence-based clinical resources and education for health professionals. Find the latest news and updates below.
2025 ECHO sessions now open - Palliative Care ECHO is a series of interactive case-based virtual mentoring sessions that address a range of palliative care topics.
College Representative Wanted – General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC)
Due to the resignation of one of the current representatives, ACRRM welcomes expressions of interest from Fellows who are interested in joining the GPMHSC Steering Committee.
The GPMHSC Committee is the body responsible for overseeing and providing expert advice and consultation on the development, monitoring and promotion of quality standards for general practitioner (GP) education and training in primary mental health care.
More information about the GPMHSC is available here and the Committee Terms of Reference are available here. This is a remunerated role and meetings are generally held bi-monthly.
If you are interested in this position, please email policy@acrrm.org.au by Friday 7 March, including a current CV or summary of relevant qualifications and experience and an indication of your availability to attend Committee meetings.
ACRRM acknowledges the contribution of members who take on these roles on behalf of the College.
ACRRM Leaders Advocate for Rural Healthcare at RDAA Political Forum
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin and CEO Marita Cowie attended the annual Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) Political Forum in Canberra last week (Wednesday 12 February).
The event provided an important opportunity to engage with key stakeholders across the healthcare sector, including representatives from the Department of Health and Aged Care and federal politicians.
Dr Martin and Ms Cowie joined discussions on the future of rural healthcare, advocating for the needs of Rural Generalists and their communities. The event also fostered collaboration with fellow medical leaders, including RACGP President Dr Michael Wright, RDAA President Dr RT Lewandowski, and AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen.
Tasmania and NT orientation workshops
Tasmania and the Northern Territory were the next regions to welcome registrars for their primary care orientation workshops this week. Registrars cover educational topics as well as cultural education, and participate in networking events.
REST course in Dubbo
ACRRM welcomed 13 attendees at its Rural Emergency Skills Training (REST) course in Dubbo last week. The aim of this course is to teach a structured approach to the initial resuscitation and stabilisation of patients presenting with life-threatening conditions and to enhance the practical skills required for managing emergencies in the rural context. You can book your REST course here.
Webinar: Skin Surgery Without Sutures
Thursday 27 March at 7:00pm AEST
This webinar covers key techniques in skin surgery without sutures, focusing on:
Curettage & Cautery – Effective for benign and low-risk malignancies (BCC, SCC, keratoacanthoma) with up to 95% cure rates. Learn lesion selection, technique, and complication management.
Shave Biopsies & Excisions – Suture-free diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions. Master technique selection, condition management, and melanoma best practices.
ACRRM acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff work and live across Australia. We pay respect to their elders, lores, customs and Dreaming. We recognise these lands and waters have always been a place of teaching, learning, and healing.
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