Ensuring the interests of our members are appropriately represented in federal, state and territory consultations and that he distinctive context and conditions of rural and remote practice are recognised,  is a key focus of the College’s policy and advocacy work.

Over the past month, ACRRM representations have included submissions on the Professional Services Review (PSR) Scheme , pharmacists’ scope of practice in Queensland, and  the national framework for public hospitals pricing. 

Senate Inquiry on PSR Scheme 

In recent months, there have been a number of proposed amendments to legislation relating to health practitioners where, in the view of the College,  the rights of practitioners have not been fully considered.   

In its responses, the College has continuously advocated for striking the right balance between measures to protect the public, basic human rights, and principles of natural justice.

This approach is reflected in ACRRM’s submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review Scheme) Bill 2023.

The ostensible purpose of the Bill  is to implement priority changes arising from recommendations of the final report of the independent Review of Medicare Integrity and Compliance undertaken by Dr Pradeep Philip (Philip Review). In responding to the Inquiry, the College outlined its concern that that in several places, the drafting of the Bill goes beyond the recommendations of the Philip Review, placing public confidence in the system at a higher priority than the rights of practitioners potentially impacted.

Of particular concern are the amendments removing the requirement for a medical practitioner to be appointed to the PSR, and the provisions which remove the requirement for stakeholder engagement and input into the process. 

The College contends that relevant professional bodies are arguably better placed than departmental employees to comment on the types of documents that may contain relevant information, and to provide unique rural and remote perspectives in the case of the production of documents from medical practitioners working across rural and remote Australia.

The Role of Rural and Remote Pharmacists

This continues to be an important policy and advocacy focus for the College especially in the light of proposals to extend pharmacist scope of practice which have been introduced or are under consideration in most states and territories.   ACRRM continues to engage in relevant consultations and to collaborate with other stakeholder organisations regarding joint advocacy where appropriate.  This includes the GP Alliance in Queensland and as a participant in  regular stakeholder meetings with the Chief Health Officer in NSW.

College Council has held detailed discussions to revise the current College position statement to reflect changing circumstances, and a final draft will be considered at the College Council meeting on 19 July.  Members will be notified when this statement is finalised.

The College continues to base its position on the principle that rural and remote communities deserve equitable access to excellent healthcare.   ACRRM acknowledges, values and respects the significant role of rural and remote pharmacists as members of a healthcare team which provides continuous, locally based, holistic care, particularly in rural and remote communities where all team members work to a broad but safe scope of practice.  

Where there are proposals to extend pharmacist practice, the key principles of patient safety and continuity of care must be applied.  All proposals should be subject to robust and transparent monitoring processes which include a broad range of healthcare professionals.

National Pricing Framework for Public Hospitals

ACRRM is currently drafting a response to Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority regarding the Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2024-25. Rural hospitals continue to face significant challenges to service provision, including higher running costs, increased reliance on costly locum services, and the continuing impact of natural disasters, including fires, flooding, and drought.  The College submission will outline the importance of delivering equitable access to care for people living in rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Funding arrangements must address the complex challenges faced by non-urban communities, and tailored rural solutions are required.   

This will follow up on our written submission and in-person representations to the national consultants on the National Health Reform Agreement Addendum Mid-term Review. 

National Health and Climate Strategy

The College  has attended several workhops and meetings including with the Director of the National Health, Sustainability and Climate Unit Madeleine Skellern, with a view to  finalising its submission on the National Health and Climate Strategy, with consultation due to close on 24 July.  Members have previously been invited to provide input to the College submission and to make individual submissions should they wish to do so.

The Policy team values all members’ input on policy issues as they arise. Member input allows us to provide submissions and representations which are more powerful and more reflective of the realities of rural and remote practice on the frontline. 

Contact Policy@acrrm.org.au  if you would like to provide feedback on a particular issue or consultation.