The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says today’s announcement on the Government’s commitment to invest in the National Rural Generalist Pathway is a crucial step to improve workforce and quality of care for rural and remote communities across Australia.
Senator Bridget McKenzie today committed $62 million to invest in the establishment and ongoing operation of a National Rural Generalist Pathway.
ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says: “While the College is yet to receive further details of the Government’s funding commitment, we welcome this investment. “This is recognition of the importance of building a national workforce of Rural Generalist doctors who have the unique skills required to meet the needs of the rural and remote communities in which our doctors live and work.
“This is the purpose for which our College was established 21 years ago, and it is the vision we continue to work towards.”
“The College has led work on the National Rural Generalists Pathway alongside the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, the Rural Health Commissioner Professor Paul Worley, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
“We look forward to ongoing engagement and collaboration with the sector to implement the program as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Dr McPhee says.
“We thank Senator McKenzie and Minister for Health Greg Hunt, for announcing this financial commitment and for continuing to work towards implementation.”
The College is also pleased Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare Catherine King has said a Labor Government will match this commitment to funding the Rural Generalist pathway.
To access ACRRM’s pre-election, pre-budget submission, please click here.