ACRRM calls on Federal Government to back Rural Generalists in 2026–27 Budget
ACRRM is calling on the Australian Government to seize the opportunity in the 2026–27 Federal Budget to strengthen healthcare access for rural, remote and First Nations communities by investing in Rural Generalists and the communities that support them.
The call follows the landmark confirmation by Australian Health Ministers in September 2025 that Rural Generalist Medicine is recognised as a specialty of general practice — a pivotal moment for Australia’s rural health workforce and a critical step toward ensuring people can access care at the right time, in the right place, close to home.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says the recognition must now be matched with targeted and sustained investment.
“Recognition of Rural Generalist Medicine is a gamechanger for rural and remote healthcare, but recognition alone is not enough,” Dr Martin says.
“The 2026–27 Budget must build on this momentum by growing the Rural Generalist pipeline, supporting sustainable practice, and strengthening the rural, remote, and First Nations communities that Rural Generalists and their families call home.”
ACRRM welcomes full medical training pathway in Launceston
ACRRM welcomes the commencement of end-to-end medical training in Launceston, saying it is a significant boost for the future Rural Generalist workforce in Tasmania.
Twenty new medical students will begin their entire medical degree at the University of Tasmania’s Launceston campus this month — the first time full medical training has been delivered from start to finish in northern Tasmania. It brings the total number of medical students training in Launceston to 100.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says expanding medical education in regional centres is one of the most effective ways to address rural and remote workforce shortages.
The conference will take place in regional Victoria across 11 - 13 June 2026. Further details, including program highlights and registration information will be shared shortly.
Express your interest and mark your calendar - places are limited!
The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) has updated Medicinal Cannabis framework (the Framework) to further support safe and effective prescribing practices within the veteran support system.
Maaruma-Li Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) is seeking a passionate GP to help establish a new ACCHO on beautiful Gamilaraay/Gomeroi/Kamilaroi Country in Coonabarabran.
This part-time role is within a multidisciplinary team that delivers culturally safe, trauma-informed primary health care including acute and chronic disease management, health promotion, and preventative care - to a region with significant unmet health needs.
This is a meaningful opportunity to make a tangible difference by improving access to primary healthcare and supporting the cultural, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Warrumbungle Shire.
How can supervisors better understand and support neurodiverse learners in rural generalist training?
In this episode of ACRRM podcast, Supervisors’ Compass, Dr James Best and Professor Richard Hays are joined by Dr Naomi Luck and Dr Katie Williamson to explore what neurodiversity means in the context of medical education and clinical supervision.
The discussion unpacks common forms of neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD and dyslexia, and challenges persistent misconceptions about capability and suitability for clinical practice. Instead, the panel highlights the strengths neurodiverse registrars often bring to rural medicine, such as creativity, flexible thinking, strong problem-solving skills and deep clinical focus.
New Supervisors' Compass podcast episode: Supporting neurodiverse learners (part 1) is out now.
Hosted by the South African Academy of Family Physicians, in collaboration with WONCA Africa and the PRIMAFAMED Network, the conference will focus on “the role of family doctors in the primary healthcare team.”
Held at Cape Town's world-class International Convention Center, the conference will gather family doctors from around the world to discuss key issues, share the latest evidence, build clinical skills, network, and foster new collaborations.
Learn more about how your state or territory is addressing the priority actions.
Expressions of interest: Steering Committee for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)
ACRRM invites expressions of interest from members who are interested in a position on the NLCSP Steering Committee.
The Committee will evaluate the early implementation of the Nodule Management Protocol to support refinement and optimisation of the protocol, and is led by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ). The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) is a collaborator in partnership with Cancer Australia.
Members who are interested are encouraged to reach out to the policy team through policy@acrrm.org.au
ACRRM in action
Western Australian FACRRMs recognised
Two distinguished Fellows of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) were honoured for their extraordinary commitment to rural healthcare at the recent Rural Health West long service awards, held last week in Western Australia (WA). The ACRRM-sponsored event celebrated decades of dedicated service to regional communities.
Dr John Rosser Davies received an outstanding 50-year service award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to caring for the community of Manjimup. His contribution has spanned generations, reflecting a remarkable dedication to rural medicine.
Dr Clyde Jumeaux was honoured for 40 years of service to communities across the Pilbara and, more recently, Bunbury.
In addition, a number of FACRRMs were recognised for 20 years of service, highlighting the enduring strength and commitment of rural doctors across WA.
Digital Health
Webinar: Adrenaline devices available in Australia
Wednesday 4 March at 6:30pm AEST
CPD: 1.5 hrs
Presenter: Dr Alan Baker (Clinical Immunology & Allergy Specialist, National Allergy Council)
Overview: Update on adrenaline devices in Australia — device types, key features, ASCIA prescribing guidance, and practical tips for prescribing, patient education, and switching devices.
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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