The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) welcomes today’s Coalition announcement of an additional 200 rural Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), targeted at growing the Rural Generalist workforce.
Announced by National Party Leader David Littleproud and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Anne Ruston, the extra medical school places bring the Coalition’s commitment to 350 funded training places in 2028.
The announcement is part of a commitment for a new Rural, Regional, and Remote Health Strategy overseen by the National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Jenny May.
As well as $5m funding towards additional training places, the Strategy features a $100m infrastructure program, including upgrading teaching facilities and student accommodation.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says today’s announcement signals a clear commitment to closing healthcare gaps in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
“Rural health is finally getting the attention it deserves this election, and this Strategy secures a direct pathway into Rural Generalist Fellowship training,” Dr Martin says.
“As the only medical college dedicated solely to rural and remote healthcare, we’ll be advocating for these places to be allocated where they are needed most, and we look forward to engaging with Professor May on the proposal.”
Dr Martin says demand for ACRRM’s Fellowship program continues to grow, with training places oversubscribed over the past two years.
“To meet rural and remote workforce needs, the College is seeking to increase our training places to 500 annually,” he explains.
“We’ve had an indication that we’ll receive 70 additional places in 2026, bringing our total to 320. “It’s a promising step, but we need a further 180 places to meet projected demand.”
Dr Martin adds ACRRM’s purpose-built program delivers proven, long-term outcomes for the rural health workforce and the health outcomes of rural, remote and First Nations communities.
“Eighty-eight per cent of doctors who complete ACRRM training remain practising in non-metropolitan areas during their first four years post-Fellowship, and 82 per cent remain after 10 years,” he said.
“This funding marks an encouraging step toward a comprehensive, fit-for-purpose training pathway—one that starts earlier and ends with doctors who are highly skilled, confident, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
“As we head to the polls, we welcome this clear commitment from the Coalition and note that their pledge of 350 places exceeds what has been offered by the Labor government to date.
“We now call on Labor to match or build on this investment in the future rural workforce.”
ENDS
CONTACT:
For more information, photos or interviews with ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin, please contact Mary Jane Streeton at mj.streeton@acrrm.org.auor 0400 598 886.
ABOUT ACRRM:
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is the nation’s peak organisation for rural, remote and First Nations healthcare. The College plays a vital role in training Rural Generalists and providing ongoing support throughout their careers.
We advocate for a healthcare system that serves the unique needs of rural, remote and First Nations communities, ensuring that every individual has access to high-quality and comprehensive care, regardless of their postcode.
Find out more at acrrm.org.au