The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) has lodged its pre-budget submission, calling for a range of significant reforms and immediate investments to support rural general practice and create a sustainable national Rural Generalist (RG) workforce.

ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says this two-pronged approach is designed to improve access to essential primary care for people living in rural and remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

“Rural and remote general practice is integral to improving health outcomes for people living in these communities, but it is grossly underfunded and needs to be supported to remain viable,” Dr Halliday says.

“This support needs to be complemented by ongoing and increased investment in the RG workforce. 

“RGs are medical practitioners who are trained to meet the current and future healthcare needs of Australian rural and remote communities in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

“They provide comprehensive general practice and emergency care as well as required components of other medical specialist care in hospital and community settings, and play a highly valued role in rural healthcare teams.”

Dr Halliday says the upcoming budget presents an opportunity for the federal government to demonstrate its commitment to building strong and sustainable communities and healthcare services. 

“Bespoke funding for rural and remote general practice and increased investment in the National Rural Generalist Pathway will secure equity of access to primary care services and address the continuing poorer health outcomes of our most rural and remote Australians.

“These priority areas for investment have the potential to significantly increase access to high-quality healthcare services in rural and remote areas, and consequently improve health outcomes for people who reside there.

“We need significant reforms to the Medicare system, including blended funding models and flexible funding pools to support bespoke, tailored solutions which support the RG model of practice and recognise the complexity and context of rural and remote practice.”

The College is also calling for a range of immediate responses, including:

  • Doubling of the Medicare Rural Bulk Billing incentive for practices located in MMM 3-7
  • Additional funding for ACRRM to expand its Rural Generalist Training Scheme
  • Additional funding for the Medicare General Practice Grants program for general practices located in
    MMM 3-7
  • Projects to increase promotion and support for rural medical careers from secondary school to tertiary and prevocational levels
  • Specific programs to provide wellbeing and support for doctors and doctors-in-training in MMM 3-7.

Dr Halliday says that ACRRM looks forward to working with the federal government, states and territories and other stakeholders on a range of projects and strategies to improve access to health care for rural and remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The College has the experience and expertise to make a significant contribution to these discussions and ensure that we have the right doctors providing high-quality healthcare in the communities where it is most needed.”

Read the submission here.

ENDS