ACRRM President Dr Ewen McPhee and CEO Marita Cowie have presented the College’s priority issues to key stakeholders in Canberra in the first week of Federal Parliament.

As well as presenting the College’s Federal Budget and Election Statement, the agenda included meetings with Minister for Health Greg Hunt, Minister for Regional Services Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Senior Australians, Aged Care and Indigenous Health Ken Wyatt and Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare Catherine King. Discussions centred on the implementation of Rural Generalism as a specialty which addresses the government’s Stronger Rural Health Strategy for rural doctor placements, and significantly improve the health of rural communities.

ACRRM also took the opportunity to discuss the recent crises across rural Australia, which not only require an urgent response, but are a stark reminder that it’s time to address the underlying systematic causes of rural inequality and inequitable access to healthcare.  Our election priorities present opportunities for sustainable long-term improvements.

The visit included talks with AMA President Tony Bartone and networking with key stakeholders at the Rural Doctors Association of Australia Parliament Lunch, National Rural Health Alliance rural forum and expert advisory group on Primary Care meeting.

The College is strongly committed to supporting and advocating for specialist general practitioners and Rural Generalists and will continue to represent members at every opportunity. To keep abreast of College activities, stay tuned on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular news.