ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the funding must be directed where it is needed most — Rural Generalist training. 

“This is a significant investment in Australia’s medical workforce,” Dr Martin says. 

“But unless more places go to Rural Generalist training, our rural, remote and First Nations communities will continue to miss out.” 

ACRRM, the only medical college dedicated exclusively to rural, remote and First Nations health, is calling for 180 additional Rural Generalist training places each year, lifting its annual intake to 500 through the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program from 2027. 

“More Rural Generalist training means more doctors on the ground in communities doing it toughest,” Dr Martin says. 

“We have the capacity. “What we need is funding directed to the right places,” Dr Martin says. 

ACRRM-trained doctors are proven to stay. 

“More than 82 per cent remain in rural and remote areas five or more years after Fellowship — building careers, skills and continuity of care in their communities.” 

“Getting the pipeline right now is critical,” Dr Martin says. 

“Without targeted investment in ACRRM Rural Generalist training, the communities with the greatest need will keep falling behind.” 

The call for more training places is part of the College’s full Budget submission, available here.