ACRRM calls on political parties to make Rural and Remote Health an election focus

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) urges all political parties to ensure their pledge to improve health access for rural and remote communities remains a priority throughout the election campaign and beyond.

ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee says the parties must back their commitment to funding the recognition of Rural Generalist (RG) medicine as a sub-specialty within general practice, the establishment of support mechanisms for Rural Generalist training and the expansion of the Junior Doctor Innovation Fund.

“These are crucial steps in the development of the RG Pathway which is pivotal to improving the health outcomes of rural and remote communities,” Dr McPhee says.

“When Australians vote on 18 May they must have confidence that the healthcare needs of rural children, families and the elderly will be addressed. “This can only happen by providing communities with skilled Rural Generalists and upgraded healthcare facilities.”

Dr McPhee says the recent Budget commitment by both major parties to lift the freeze on MBS rebates for a number of MBS GP items is welcome, but more support for general practice, and especially rural general practice, is needed. 

“We need significantly more funding and a commitment to structural reforms to enhance the capacity of General Practice to deliver high quality, cradle-to-grave care into the future, particularly in rural and remote areas.”

“This investment will reap rewards in achieving longer and more productive lives for rural and remote Australians and keeping people out of hospital.”

Dr McPhee expresses hope that the announced support for the National Rural Generalist Pathway will provide a platform for further commitments to rural and remote health from all political parties.

“The College urges all political parties to address the ongoing disparity in health outcomes between rural Australians and their urban counterparts through proactive and targeted support in areas such as rural and remote primary care, mental health; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; and rural occupational health and safety,” he says.

To access ACRRM’s pre-election submission, please click here.