ACRRM Budget Submission calls for urgent action to protect rural maternity services
In the lead up to the 2026–27 Federal Budget, ACRRM is calling on the Australian Government to commit to the principles of the National Consensus Framework for Rural Maternity Services, including sustainable funding to prevent further closures of birthing services.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says access to maternity care is becoming increasingly difficult for women and families in rural, remote, and First Nations communities with closures and service bypass continuing across Australia.
“All Australian women have the right to access safe maternity care in their own communities,” Dr Martin says.
“When rural and remote birthing services close, families face long travel, relocation, and significant financial, social and emotional costs. Closure often compromises other services in town as well."
Every community connected: New digital health standards for rural and remote Australia
The College has released the updated Practice Standards for Digitally Connected Rural and Remote Communities. The standards are designed to support healthcare professionals and teams navigate and make use of digital technologies in clinical delivery and practice management within the context of rural and remote healthcare provision.
Using digital technologies, healthcare professionals and community organisations in rural and remote areas can address many of the challenges of geographic isolation while providing the essential in-person, locally-informed, continuity and coordination that is fundamental to quality healthcare.
ACRRM invites healthcare professionals and non-clinical staff across healthcare organisations to review the standards and evaluate how digital technologies are used to support healthcare provision in their rural and remote communities.
ACRRM meets with government on rising fuel impacts
Fuel shortages and rapidly increasing prices were on the agenda at meetings with government ministers and department officials in Canberra this week.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the College was assured that early response processes have started to be activated.
He encourages Rural Generalists and health services to begin preparing for potential disruptions, particularly ensuring vaccine cold chains and backup power supplies are protected.
Dr Martin also notes the growing financial pressure on patients, with rising fuel costs impacting access to care.
ACRRM is inviting applications for our second Emerging Leaders Conference- a prestigious, by-application opportunity designed exclusively for recent Fellows ready to shape the future of rural, remote and First Nations healthcare.
Held over two-and-a-half immersive days the weekend before RMA26, the program is guided by respected recent ACRRM Fellows who are active members of the College’s Board and Council, and Alumni.
Successful applicants will receive a bursary from the College covering conference costs, including transport to Mt Lofty Estate from Adelaide city, accommodation and catering.
Tip: Have your headshot and CV ready to include in your application. It’s how we learn about your journey so far and why you’re a great fit for the program!
SA election result sparks renewed push for rural workforce action
ACRRM congratulates the South Australian (SA) Labor Government on its election victory and calls for continued progress to strengthen the Rural Generalist (RG) workforce.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the next term presents an opportunity to expand the RG model and improve access to high-quality healthcare across rural, remote and First Nations communities.
“South Australia cannot close its healthcare gaps without a strong, well-distributed Rural Generalist workforce, which is central to delivering highly skilled doctors who can provide comprehensive care in the communities that need them most,” Dr Martin says.
“ACRRM looks forward to working with the Government on practical measures to grow and retain Rural Generalists, including training pathways, targeted incentives and long-term workforce planning.
“Investment in the Rural Generalist pipeline is critical to improving health outcomes and delivering more equitable care outside the urban footprint.”
In rural and remote medicine, clinical decisions rarely happen in isolation. They unfold in complex conversations with distressed patients, stretched teams and high stakes.
Yet clinicians are expected to lead these moments without being formally trained in how to navigate them.
Clinical Conversations is a two-day program designed for medical practitioners. Using clinical scenarios, participants practise communication skills required to manage conflict, deliver difficult feedback and lead clinical discussions under pressure. The program focuses on practical tools clinicians can apply in consulting rooms, hospitals and teams.
Next program: July 2026, Mount Lofty House, Adelaide.
Join ACRRM: VIC Regional Director of Training (RDoT) opportunity
This leadership role would suit a clinician who is seeking to take on a meaningful role in Fellowship training and in supporting the next generation of Rural Generalists for Victoria.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the clinical and academic oversight of the delivery of the College education and clinical training programs in the Victoria. Some of your duties will include:
Mentoring medical educators and supporting program staff in the management of
Recommendations from the South Australian coronial finding
The South Australian Deputy State Coroner recently released findings regarding the death of Adelina D'Angelo with two relevant recommendations:
That further education be provided as a matter of urgency to redress the widespread use of unreliable assessment methods to detect dehydration in older persons by General Practitioners.
That General Practitioners working within the aged care environment provide advice to Aged Care Facilities regarding the hydration needs of their patient/s, including the recommended daily minimum fluid intake for that patient, and what steps are to be taken in the event of inadequate fluid intake.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin and CEO Marita Cowie were in Canberra for the AMA Colleges, Associations and Societies meeting, which brought together key stakeholders across the medical sector. Representatives from ACRRM also attended the Department of Health, Disability an Ageing Primary Care Conference over two days, highlighting collaboration across rural health organisations.
Day two of the conference featured Rural Health Commissioner Professor Jenny May AM, who presented on the “Hairy chestnuts of remote health,” addressing persistent and complex challenges in delivering healthcare to remote communities across Australia.
ACRRM Online Learning
Managing Obesity in Rural Practice: Lifestyle interventions, medications and beyond
Enhance your approach to weight management in rural and remote settings with ACRRM’s practical online course, Managing Obesity in Rural Practice.
Designed for Rural Generalists, this course provides a structured, evidence-based framework for assessing and managing overweight and obesity in low-resource environments. Build confidence in behavioural counselling, care planning and the safe use of pharmacotherapies, while tailoring management to the realities of limited allied health access and the social determinants shaping health in your community.
ACRRM represented on national digital health governance committee
A/Prof Chris Pearce will represent ACRRM on the National Clinical Governance Committee for Digital Health (NCGC-DH), ensuring rural, remote and First Nations perspectives are included in national digital health decision-making.
An initiative of the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), the Committee will provide clinical leadership on areas including My Health Record, virtual care, telehealth and the safe use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
ACRRM welcomes this as a key step toward a more digitally connected health system, particularly for rural and remote communities where access, continuity of care and information sharing are critical.
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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