Invest in remote First Nations healthcare

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine has urged the new Labor government to prioritise investment in First Nations healthcare.

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said it was time for bold, practical action to close the rural health gap.

“We congratulate Prime Minister Albanese and the Labor party on their re-election victory,” Dr Martin says.

“We now look to the new government to work closely with the sector to improve access to care for rural, remote and First Nations communities, and ensure rural General Practice is viable and sustainable for the future.”

Dr Martin says that without urgent action, communities will continue to be left without essential services.

“Rural and remote Australians deserve the same access to healthcare as those in cities. Chronic underfunding has gone on too long.

“We know Rural Generalists (RGs) are uniquely equipped to provide high-quality care in these settings but we need targeted investment to grow and sustain this workforce.”

“ACRRM has outlined a clear plan for the incoming government to build a sustainable RG workforce and improve healthcare delivery and we are committed to working with the new government to turn election promises into policy.

“This is a crucial opportunity to drive change. We look forward to meeting with the incoming ministers to reinforce our election priorities.

“We need this incoming government to be willing to deliver real, practical solutions so that every Australian, no matter where they live, can access the care they need.”