The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says today’s announcement by the Albanese Government to expand GP training and increase bulk billing incentives has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin welcomes the government’s commitment to strengthening general practice as a specialty, including the expansion of Rural Generalist (RG) training places.
“As Australia’s only College focused on rural, remote and First Nations healthcare we have long advocated for investment to support communities most in need. It is reassuring that the voices of our rural, remote and First Nations members and their communities are being heard."
“The promise to spend about $8 billion over four years to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for patients is history making."
“We are particularly excited by the $265.2 million investment to grow the pipeline of future GPs and RGs, with the goal of training 2000 new registrars each year from 2028", Dr Martin says.
“The additional funding to help bridge the pay gap for registrars moving from hospital to general practice, and to provide parental and study leave entitlements, is a crucial step in making the specialty more attractive.”
“The timing for this commitment aligns with our call for 500 training places each year as we see increased interest in the ACRRM training program,” Dr Martin says.
Dr Martin says the introduction of a new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program will help rural and remote clinics to provide high-quality care, grow their teams, and upgrade facilities.
“Under this initiative, a standard bulk-billed consultation at a regional or rural practice will almost double, reducing cost barriers and ensuring more affordable access for patients in rural, remote, and First Nations communities,” he says.
Dr Martin also acknowledges the broader impact of these reforms.
“These targeted measures reflect what ACRRM has long known—when doctors are well selected and supported through structured pathways, recruitment and retention improve. Strategic investment from high school, through to medical school and senior consultancy will accelerate the growth of this critical workforce,” he says.
“This funding is a long-overdue step toward addressing the historical shortfall in rural healthcare investment."
“With so many factors disproportionately affecting non-metropolitan Australians, it is essential that access to high-quality RG care is made more affordable and sustainable.”