The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) welcomes today’s announcement to expand Rural Generalist training in the Northern Territory (NT) through a Single Employer Model (SEM) trial.
The trial, which will run through to December 2028, aims to attract and retain more Rural Generalist registrars by providing stable employment conditions, while supporting training across multiple settings in some of the Territory’s most remote areas.
It will involve local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training partners, including Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Katherine West Health Board Aboriginal Corporation, and Bauhinia Health.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says strengthening the Rural Generalist workforce is critical to improving access to healthcare where it is needed most — close to home.
“Rural Generalists are the backbone of healthcare in the Northern Territory, delivering comprehensive care across clinics, hospitals and communities — often as the only doctor available — so growing this workforce is essential,” Dr Martin says.
He says improving employment conditions for registrars is a positive step, particularly in regions where training pathways can be complex.
“Providing greater certainty and support during training makes Rural Generalist medicine a more viable and attractive career.
“That is especially important in the NT, where we have a strong cohort of registrars already contributing to care where it’s needed most – but we need more.”
The SEM trial has potential to strengthen recruitment and retention, but its success will depend on whether broader conditions support doctors to live and work in rural and remote areas.
“Stable employment is important, but it won’t solve the problem on its own,” Dr Martin says.
“We need funding models that recognise the true cost of delivering care in small, remote communities, alongside investment in essential infrastructure.”
“To live and practise in these communities, our doctors need access to housing, childcare, schools and reliable services.”
“This model can make a real difference — ensuring people can access care where they live, not hours away.”