Rural doctors came to Canberra to talk all things rural, regional and remote healthcare.
The AMA's Council of Rural Doctors (CRD) convened at the national AMA office in Barton from 22-23 February 2025. The council, comprising both GPs and non-GP specialists, traveled from various parts of Australia, including Alice Springs, Cairns, Orange, Tasmania, and Ballarat, and engaged in rich and broad discussions, achieving alignment on all topics presented.
Professor Jenny May, the National Rural Health Commissioner, attended our meeting and engaged in meaningful dialogue with council members. The discussions centered on policy and coordinated approaches to developing and maintaining a sustainable rural health workforce. The council extends its gratitude to Professor May for her valuable contributions.
The AMA will soon release its rural health issues survey report. During the meeting, the council had the opportunity to reflect on the survey results and talk about policy and advocacy strategies in the lead-up to the federal election.
The maternity crisis affecting rural Australia was raised as a significant concern. Council members expressed deep concern over the impact of hospital closures on rural communities. The CRD discussed these issues with the AMA Federal Council Obstetrics representative, A/Prof Greg Duncombe, who is the AMA representative on the National Maternity Workforce Strategy 2026-2036 steering committee.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and targeted advocacy to address the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. The AMA Council of Rural Doctors remains committed to championing the needs of rural communities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Australians.
