ACRRM supports the interests of its members and their rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through policies, position statements, government submissions, reports and representations. This advocacy is informed by the advice of the Board, College Council and the individual perspectives of members.
The College has recently provided feedback to public consultations on the Mid-term review of the National Health Reform Agreement Addendum 2020-25 and the Tasmanian Healthcare Plan 2040 and is in the process of finalising a submission on the Kruk Review's Interim Report on regulatory settings for overseas trained doctors. In addition to making formal written submissions, both the CEO and President had the opportunity to meet with consultants overseeing both the Mid-term and Kruk reviews to outline key issues of concern.
In its response to the NHRA Mid-term review, the College made several recommendations around developing and implementing innovative funding pools and alternative models of care for rural and remote communities. The College recommended the existing role of rural RG’s could be leveraged to facilitate improved access to locally based healthcare services. Similar key themes were outlined in the College response to the Tasmanian Healthcare Plan.
The College’s feedback to on the Kruk Review Interim Report stresses the importance of all report recommendations considering potential impacts upon workforce distribution, both in the immediate and longer term. The College reiterated previous concerns around maldistribution, noting that recommendations around suspending labour market testing for professions in national shortage have the potential to contribute to workforce oversupply in cites, whilst failing to address areas in shortage. Additionally, the College recommended against transitioning equivalence assessment from the specialist Colleges to the AMC noting this was likely to result in duplication, increased administrative burdens, and additional layers of bureaucracy.
Over the course of June and early July, the College will be seeking member feedback to inform a submission on the National Health and Climate Strategy, developing policy positions on Rural and Remote Pharmacists and Single Employer Models, and reviewing its policy position on Harmful Substance Use.
The College is also proud to be represented on hundreds of policy and health service forums across the country, providing a vital voice for members. If you are interested in representing the College on a state, territory or national forum, you can find out about current opportunities by visiting our website.
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. Please contact Policy@acrrm.org.au at any time if you would like to provide feedback on a particular issue or consultation.