The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging the Australian Government to make rural and remote liveability a priority in the 2026–27 Federal Budget.
ACRRM says a sustainable Rural Generalist workforce depends not only on training and Medicare support, but on whether rural communities can offer secure housing and reliable childcare.
“Rural communities won’t keep doctors if the basics aren’t there,” ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says.
“If you can’t find a house or a childcare place, it doesn’t matter how good the job is — people just won’t stay.”
ACRRM says a lack of safe, secure and affordable housing is a growing barrier to attracting and retaining doctors in rural areas.
The Regional Australia Institute reports housing supply is not keeping pace with population growth, while rental markets remain tighter than in capital cities.
ACRRM is calling for housing reforms, including through the National Housing Accord, to prioritise areas with critical Rural Generalist shortages.
ACRRM says access to childcare is essential to supporting Rural Generalists and their families.
While a three-day childcare guarantee comes into effect from January 2026, many rural communities simply won’t have the services to make it a reality.
“Childcare just has to work for rural life,” Dr Martin says.
“That means after-hours, it means flexibility — because that’s how Rural Generalists actually work.”
“If families can’t make it work day to day, they’re not going to move to a rural or remote town — or stay there.
“Rural Generalists arrive with a fantastic skillset, but they generally come as a package,” he adds.
Improving liveability outside the urban footprint is critical to building and retaining a strong Rural Generalist workforce.
“This Budget is a real chance to get this right,” Dr Martin says.
“Invest in making these communities liveable, and you give doctors a reason to stay.”
More information on the ACRRM Federal Budget 2026–27 Submission is available here.