ACRRM welcomes passing of National Rural Health Commissioner Bill

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine today welcomes news of the passing of the National Rural Health Commissioner Bill, which progressed through the Senate yesterday.

The bill amends the Health Insurance Act to provide for the appointment of a National Rural Health Commissioner, and brings Australia one step closer to a National Rural Generalist Pathway.

ACRRM President Associate Professor Ruth Stewart said that the passing of the Bill will have a positive impact on health outcomes for rural and remote Australians.

"The establishment of this statutory role under the Health Insurance Act offers ongoing sustained attention to health and health services in rural and remote communities," she said.

"It shows a commitment to improving health outcomes in some of Australia’s toughest environments, and will offer support to hard working GPs and other health professionals in these areas."

From its inception, the College has sought to establish Rural Generalist training across Australia.

"A National Rural Generalist Pathway will develop doctors with a wide range of advanced procedural skills, offering a solution to chronic skills and workforce shortages in rural and remote communities.

"FACRRMs are ideally trained for these roles and have excellent retention rates in rural areas; up to 87% after 10 years of running the rural generalist pathway in Queensland where the program is most mature.

"The College has been working towards the implementation of a National Rural Generalist Pathway for a number of years, and we are pleased that this important initiative will now have a national leader.

"The College looks forward to working closely with the Commissioner on all issues that affect the health of rural and remote communities, our Fellows and members."

The news of the bills passing comes as the College enters its 20th anniversary year, a milestone that in itself recognises the need for rural and remote health policy.

The College would like to recognise the support of all parties involved in the passing of this legislation and acknowledge the leadership of the Hon. Dr David Gillespie, MP, Assistant Minister for Health and the federal government.