Federal Budget: Rural communities must share in healthcare investment
ACRRM acknowledges the Federal Government’s continued investment in hospitals, Medicare and workforce training, while warning the Federal Budget lacks targeted measures to address the growing and urgent challenges facing rural and remote communities.
Dr Martin says the Budget includes significant investment in hospitals, Medicare and Urgent Care Clinics, but there remains limited focus on the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare services and workforce retention.
The ACRRM policy team has prepared a brief summary on each of the State and Federal budgets handed down this week, and a dedicated webpage.
The Victorian, Northern Territory, Western Australian and Federal 2026-27 Budgets all recognise the significant economic challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Despite new spending kept to conservative levels given the uncertain times, health remains a key priority area across the four budgets.
The College will continue to advocate for more targeted rural health funding, and investments in the rural health workforce to support infrastructure investments and ensure services can be delivered across Australia.
We invite members to share their thoughts and ask questions by emailing policy@acrrm.org.au.
A/Prof Ruth Stewart joins the Obstetrics and Gynaecology AST Conference program
We’re pleased to announce that ACRRM Past-President and former National Rural Health Commissioner, Associate Professor Ruth Stewart has been added to the ACRRM Obstetrics and Gynaecology AST Conference program.
A/Prof Stewart will join Dr Marian Dover and Dr Vijay Roac for a special in-conversation session, bringing valuable insights and discussion to this year’s event.
Join us in the Hunter Valley, NSW from Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May 2026.
Training post spotlight: Kangaroo Island Medical Clinic
What makes a training post truly stand out? For the team at Kangaroo Island Medical Clinic (KIMC), it starts with community.
From childcare support and mentoring programs to strong hospital integration and community connection initiatives, the clinic is focused on helping registrars thrive on Kangaroo Island.
ACRRM Rural Generalist Dr Kyle Fairclough explains:
“I didn’t want to treat hearts or livers or bones — I wanted to treat people. Using my skills in Kangaroo Island has allowed me to truly be part of a community and help people live healthier lives.”
The training post also offers:
broad clinical exposure in a remote setting,
strong supervision and mentorship,
advanced skills and procedural opportunities, and
integration with Kingscote Hospital.
Read the full spotlight to learn how Kangaroo Island Medical Clinic is building a sustainable future for rural healthcare — and why more Rural Generalists are choosing to stay.
Will this be in the exam? Supervisors' Compass podcast episode 10: (Part 2 - Preparing for success)
How do supervisors help registrars turn everyday clinical work into exam success?
In the latest episode of the ACRRM podcast Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays continue their conversation with ACRRM National Director of Assessment, Dr James Fraser, exploring what really prepares registrars for assessment.
The discussion unpacks why capable registrars can struggle in exams and what actually works.
With a focus on authenticity and ongoing feedback, the episode reinforces that every patient encounter is an opportunity for learning and exam readiness.
Dying close to home: Rural Generalists key to closing Australia's palliative care gap
Thousands of Australians in rural and remote communities face a stark reality: when the end of life approaches, specialist palliative care is often hundreds of kilometres away.
This National Palliative Care Week (10–16 May 2026), ACRRM is drawing attention to a growing workforce gap which Rural Generalists are helping to fill.
The General Practitioner Procedural Training Support Program (GPPTSP) aims to improve access to maternity services for women in rural and remote communities by supporting GP Fellows to attain procedural skills in obstetrics or anaesthetics.
The Anaesthetics component, managed by ACRRM, provides $40,000 in Commonwealth funding for Fellows to complete the ANZCA Rural Generalist Anaesthesia (RGA) training program. This Funding aims to reduce the financial and logistical barriers associated with undertaking further training as a Fellow.
The deadline to apply for next year is fast approaching. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your skills and make a difference in your community.
Sponsored: GP trainee’s position under threat over AI use
Just weeks before sitting their fellowship exams, a registrar faced losing their training position. The reason? He had used ChatGPT to write medical notes.
The registrar’s attempt to manage a heavy workload quickly escalated. The practice found out when he realised he'd put a referral letter in the wrong patient's record. With their career on the line, the Avant member contacted Avant's Medico-legal Advisory Service for support.
Read how we helped. Plus, get key reminders on privacy, AI policies and how to fix records when things go wrong.
ACRRM Jobs Board
Looking for your next opportunity? The ACRRM Jobs Board is updated regularly with new roles across the country. Current listings include:
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, so we've put together ACRRM courses to strengthen your skills to recognise, respond to and support patients experiencing domestic and family violence in rural and remote communities.
These CPD-accredited online courses are designed for Rural Generalists working in complex, resource-limited settings:
Build your capability to identify and respond to coercive control — now a criminal offence in NSW and Queensland. This course includes rural case studies, culturally responsive approaches, and guidance on supporting patient safety and navigating legislation.
Build the knowledge and confidence to recognise, respond to and support patients experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, with a strong focus on the realities of rural practice.
ACRRM in action
GPSN in WA and courses across Australia
The WA regional team were in Perth for the GPSN 'Journey to General Practice' event at QEII. Dr Lauren Gibson shared an authentic, humorous account of her Rural Generalist path. Around 100 attendees also explored suturing, ultrasound and dermatoscopy, sparking strong interest, new memberships and enthusiasm for the ACRRM RG Fellowship Program.
This week also saw a REOT course in Melbourne, ALS in Brisbane and RACM in Sydney.
The College thanks the expert facilitators who provide participants with high impact learning and clinical excellence in these courses.
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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