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Delivering more than chocolate: $100m Easter gift for rural health

National Rural Health Alliance

The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) welcomes the Coalition’s announcement today of the major investment in rural health to fast-track more health professionals living and working in regional, rural and remote Australia.

The $100 million investment to upgrade regional medical training infrastructure and deliver an additional 200 Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for medical students in rural, regional and remote Australia is a timely step toward addressing the chronic health workforce shortages. For too long, rural communities have faced barriers to accessing the care they need. Today’s announcement signals a genuine commitment to closing that gap.

“The NRHA is particularly encouraged by the Coalition’s plan to develop a comprehensive Rural, Regional and Remote Health Strategy, led by the National Rural Health Commissioner.

“This is what the NRHA has been calling for over many years. We are pleased to see this strategy will be developed within the first six months of a future Coalition Government, demonstrating urgency and intent. We look forward to seeing coordinated efforts to bring together Commonwealth, State and Territory investments to finally deliver meaningful improvements in rural health,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.

“Investing in teaching facilities, laboratories, student accommodation, and other infrastructure will create much-needed capacity for regional universities and training institutions. The additional CSPs will not only boost the number of medical and allied health students studying in the regions but will also help grow the pipeline of future general practitioners and allied health professionals who are more likely to live and work in the communities where they train.

“We are pleased that the $100 million infrastructure funding will be available to universities, TAFEs and healthcare institutions engaged in medical, nursing and allied health training. NRHA has been reiterating the need for such funding given the evidence we have shown that students training rurally are more likely to work there too. This is particularly so with Indigenous health students. The move would help address the challenge of workforce retention evident in rural areas.

“The NRHA has long advocated for systemic investment in rural health education and workforce development. This announcement is a welcome response to our calls - those of our 54 member bodies and communities- for greater support to grow and retain a high-quality rural health workforce.

“However, we are excited by this commitment and ready to work with all sides of politics to ensure rural, regional and remote Australians have the healthcare they need and deserve. It is time rural Australia is recognised for the contribution it makes to our economy and communities at large. Block funding needs to be a part of the broader solution to ensure health equity,” Ms Tegen said.

In addition to training reform, the NRHA calls on Governments to commit to block funding to support primary care in rural and remote communities that is based on population health needs, to address equity of access and deliver improved health outcomes in rural Australia.

About us:

The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 54 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.

Contact details:

Kathya de Silva, Media and Communications Officer, National Rural Health Alliance, [email protected] 0470 487 608