With extreme weather events disrupting rural and remote communities across Australia, ACRRM is calling on the Australian Government to ensure the 2026–27 Federal Budget strengthens climate resilience and disaster recovery support for rural and remote health services. 

Climate change is increasingly shaping health system pressures in rural, remote, and First Nations communities, where disasters are isolating towns, damaging infrastructure and significantly increasing demand for emergency, chronic disease and mental healthcare. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says rural, remote, and First Nations communities must be supported to meet Australia’s Net Zero ambitions in ways that strengthen, rather than strain, local healthcare systems. 

“Climate change has a direct and growing impact on human health, and these communities are often the first to feel its effects,” Dr Martin says. 

“If we want Rural Generalists to stay and communities to remain viable, climate policy must include strong health system preparedness and long-term recovery support.” 

ACRRM’s Budget submission calls for climate change action consistent with Australia’s Net Zero targets, alongside practical measures to support rural healthcare services, including: 

  • Investment in resilient rural health infrastructure, including backup power and energy security for hospitals and clinics 

  • Support for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades in rural health facilities to reduce costs and improve reliability 

  • Strengthened telehealth and digital connectivity to maintain care during disasters 

  • Long-term mental health and community recovery funding following natural disasters 

  • Workforce support measures to help retain Rural Generalists during prolonged recovery periods. 

“Recovery in rural communities can take years, not weeks,” Dr Martin says. 

“Resilient health infrastructure, reliable energy, and sustained recovery funding are essential to protecting access to care. 

“This Budget is an opportunity to ensure climate action strengthens rural, remote, and First Nations communities and the healthcare services they depend on.” 

More information on ACRRM’s Prebudget Submission can be found here.