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On the eve of the federal election, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging every Australian — especially those in rural, remote, and First Nations communities — to vote for a future where quality healthcare is a right, not a postcode lottery. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the time has come for Australians to demand better — not just promises, but real action to ensure rural, remote, and First Nations communities get the healthcare they need and deserve. 

“Our communities are tired of being left behind. Promises must turn into action — immediately,” Dr Martin says. 

"Rural and remote Australians deserve access to quality healthcare close to home. They deserve to have specialist care from a Rural Generalist they can rely on. This election must be a turning point. 

“More than 7 million Australians living across over 12,300 rural, remote, and First Nations communities will have their say at the ballot box. Their votes matter. Their voices matter. 

“While rural and remote healthcare remains underspent by at least $6.55 billion each year, the gap in access and outcomes continues to grow.” 

ACRRM is calling for the next government to: 

  • Increase funded training places for Rural Generalists and rural doctors, to ensure communities have the care they need, when and where they need it. ACRRM is calling for 500 places per year to meet demand. 

  • Invest in sustainable rural maternity services to stop the alarming rate of rural birthing unit closures and support women and families close to home 

  • Back rural healthcare careers with fair incentives, career pathways, and supports for doctors and health professionals who choose to serve rural, remote, and First Nations communities. 

  • Recognise and strengthen the Rural Generalist model as a key solution to rural healthcare inequities. 

“Rural people have the same right to healthcare as anyone living in the city,” Dr Martin says. 

“This isn’t just a health issue — it’s an equity issue. 

“ACRRM stands ready to work with the incoming government to deliver real change — but the time for words is over.” 

ENDS 

 

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On the eve of the federal election, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging every Australian — especially those in rural, remote, and First Nations communities — to vote for a future where quality healthcare is a right, not a postcode lottery. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the time has come for Australians to demand better — not just promises, but real action to ensure rural, remote, and First Nations communities get the healthcare they need and deserve. 

“Our communities are tired of being left behind. Promises must turn into action — immediately,” Dr Martin says. 

"Rural and remote Australians deserve access to quality healthcare close to home. They deserve to have specialist care from a Rural Generalist they can rely on. This election must be a turning point. 

“More than 7 million Australians living across over 12,300 rural, remote, and First Nations communities will have their say at the ballot box. Their votes matter. Their voices matter. 

“While rural and remote healthcare remains underspent by at least $6.55 billion each year, the gap in access and outcomes continues to grow.” 

ACRRM is calling for the next government to: 

  • Increase funded training places for Rural Generalists and rural doctors, to ensure communities have the care they need, when and where they need it. ACRRM is calling for 500 places per year to meet demand. 

  • Invest in sustainable rural maternity services to stop the alarming rate of rural birthing unit closures and support women and families close to home 

  • Back rural healthcare careers with fair incentives, career pathways, and supports for doctors and health professionals who choose to serve rural, remote, and First Nations communities. 

  • Recognise and strengthen the Rural Generalist model as a key solution to rural healthcare inequities. 

“Rural people have the same right to healthcare as anyone living in the city,” Dr Martin says. 

“This isn’t just a health issue — it’s an equity issue. 

“ACRRM stands ready to work with the incoming government to deliver real change — but the time for words is over.” 

ENDS