When emergencies happen, Rural Generalists are there
When emergencies happen in rural and remote Australia, help is often closer than people realise. More often than not, it is the local Rural Generalist arriving at the scene of a serious car accident, helping coordinate care during a flood or bushfire emergency, or the familiar face in a small rural hospital working through the night to save a life.
The College extends its congratulations to former ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday who has received the AMAQ Rural Health Medal for 2026.
An RG Obstetrician, Dr Halliday has spent more than a decade as Medical Superintendent of Stanthorpe Hospital, delivering vital obstetric services and strengthening care for local and First Nations communities.
"I'm honoured and humbled to receive with thanks the AMAQ Rural Health Medal. The significance of this achievement reflects a journey in representation, advocacy and collegiate support that began over 20 years ago through my involvement on the AMAQ Council of Residents and Registrars," Dr Halliday said. Read more.
Proud palawa Rural Generalist to lead Tasmania's rural doctors
The Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania (RDAT) has welcomed the appointment of Rural Generalist Dr Claire Griffiths as its new President, marking an exciting new chapter for the organisation and rural healthcare advocacy across the state.
Take the opportunity to explore ACRRM's newest and enhanced clinical training courses for 2026, including:
Advanced Airway Skills for Rural Clinicians
Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation
Rural Emergency Obstetric Training (REOT)
For ACRRM registrars, now is the time to secure your fully funded place in Advanced Life Support 2 (ALS2) and Rural Emergency Skills Training (REST), as part of your Fellowship program. Both are mandatory components of Core Generalist Training (CGT) and are essential for developing and maintaining the emergency skills required for rural and remote practice.
The South Australian Budget was handed down on 4 June, with a focus on cost-of-living relief and building a stronger, more productive and resilient economy.
The State budget had a total surplus of $1.4 Billion, with $45.4 billion directed towards the health system over four years.
The ACRRM Policy Team has prepared a members' summary, including highlights of the Tasmanian Budget, which was handed down on 21 May, and the ACT Budget handed down yesterday, which can be found here.
National Immunisation Program: Pneumococcal vaccination for adults
From 1 July 2026 there are changes to the adult pneumococcal NIP.
These changes include the introduction of a different vaccine, updated age eligibility, and the addition of new funded cohorts. More information is available here.
FAQs for modernised Assignment of Medicare Benefits
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has developed detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs) for modernised Assignment of Medicare Benefits (AoB) processes that commence on 1 July 2026. These FAQs relate to both bulk-billed services and simplified billing arrangements and have now been published on the department’s webpage here.
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The TGA have identified reports of FluMist being administered in error to children under 2 years of age.
FluMist is a new influenza vaccine delivered via nasal spray and is indicated for the prevention of influenza in children and adolescents aged 24 months to less than 18 years.
The Queensland regional training team held its first Procedural and Assessment Skills Day in Townsville on 22 May. The event attracted 37 registrars, who selected sessions tailored to their training needs.
Topics included ENT skills, assessment preparation and practice, advanced dermatology, Implanon insertion, and airway management. The day was highly successful, with strong engagement and interest across all sessions.
Attendee Dr Tai Ishikawa said the day provided valuable hands-on training.
‘The advanced dermatology session gave hands-on practice for new techniques. The ENT session had small groups, with plenty of opportunities to practice and ask questions, and was relevant to day-to-day practice.'
ACRRM Online Learning
New non member pricing available for popular ACRRM online courses
These flexible, self-paced programs provide practical, evidence-based learning to help clinicians strengthen their knowledge and skills in key areas of rural and remote healthcare. Whether you're looking to build capability in mental health, support patients affected by domestic, family and sexual violence, or improve care for veterans, these courses offer valuable learning that can be applied in practice immediately.
Non-member cost: $195 | Free for eligible ACRRM members.
Digital Health
Webinar: Naevi in children - Recognition, change and when to worry
Thursday 9 July at 7:00pm AEST
This session, hosted by Dr Rachael Foster, will provide practical insights for clinicians assessing and managing naevi in paediatric patients.
Please note: This webinar is available to Tele-Derm members only.
The ACRRM Tele-Derm service is free for all ACRRM members, as well as non-members who work in MMM3–MMM7 locations. Learn more and register.
Get Involved
Expression of interest for ACRRM Representative for the Victorian ADHD reforms Expert Advisory Committee
The Committee was established to provide expert advice on implementing ADHD reforms in Victoria. This includes the expanded scope of GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD in children and adults. To express your interest, please reach out to policy@acrrm.com.au.
Victorian State Disability Plan and the Victorian Autism Plan 2027 - 2031
The Victorian government is currently updating its State Disability Plan and is seeking population consultation on what is working well, what could be improved, and the priorities for the future. ACRRM urges you to express your opinions through the Victorian Department of Health consultation survey, which can be found here.
If you have any specific or detailed feedback, ACRRM would welcome hearing, please reach out to policy@acrrm.org.au.
ACRRM acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of the lands and waters where our members and staff work and live across Australia. We pay respect to their elders, lores, customs and Dreaming. We recognise these lands and waters have always been a place of teaching, learning, and healing.
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