ACRRM welcomes the release of the Working Better for Medicare Review Report this week which reviews key programs aimed at for enhancing the geographic distribution of doctors to underserviced areas. The report covers:
The report is comprehensive, and while the College is continuing to work through the details, initial responses include:
The College supports the report’s overall approach which seeks to maintain current policy tools while sharpening them to improve access to high-quality healthcare for rural, remote and First Nations communities.
However, ACRRM stresses the need to recognise the fragility of rural and remote medical services to changes in policy levers. The recommendations are high level and leave scope for implemented policies to deviate from their original intent, potentially leading to serious adverse consequences for rural services.
ACRRM will work closely with government as these policies are developed and rolled out.
Key points from the report include:
ACRRM provided a submission to the review in April 2024 detailing its position on the relevant programs.
Please feel free to contact the policy team with any queries or comments at policy@acrrm.org.au.