The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is calling on federal, state and territory governments to commit to funded solutions to rural healthcare inequity, as new figures reveal the annual spending gap has widened to $9.23 billion. 

The College says investment in Rural Generalist training, sustainable local services and healthcare teams, alongside  infrastructure needed to deliver care, must be central to the response. 

The National Rural Health Alliance’s latest Forgotten Health Spend report, released this week, puts the gap at $880 million more than the $8.35 billion reported last year. Rural Australians now receive, on average, $1,218 less in annual healthcare expenditure per person than metropolitan residents. 

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says governments must move beyond acknowledging the problem. 

“Last year, we warned that rural Australians were being short-changed.  

“This year, the shortfall is even greater,” Dr Martin says. 

“We cannot keep expressing alarm at worsening numbers while communities wait for care. “We need governments to commit to what they will fund, who will deliver it and when communities will see a difference. 

“For our members and their patients, this is about whether there is a doctor available, whether a local service can stay open and whether people can get the care they need close to home.” 

Dr Martin says Rural Generalists are essential to building that local capacity. 

“Rural Generalists provide care across general practice, emergency departments and hospitals, including services such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, mental healthcare and more. 

“Investing in their training is essential.  

“Funding must reflect the realities of rural practice and the cost of keeping services available in smaller communities.” 

With Rural Medicine Australia 2026 (RMA26) taking place in Adelaide from 21–24 October, ACRRM says the conference provides a timely opportunity to turn concern into commitments. 

“RMA26 will bring political and health leaders together with the doctors who understand these challenges and work to solve them every day,” Dr Martin says. 

“That is an opportunity to discuss practical solutions: building the local workforce, sustaining services and making funding work for rural communities. 

“We want leaders to come ready to listen, discuss solutions and commit to action. 

“Rural Australians deserve more than another report confirming they are missing out.  

“They deserve a clear plan to change it.” 

ENDS