1 week Ago By Stephanie Gardiner
The health of 7.3 million Australians who live outside the cities must be front-and-centre of the federal election, after the budget overlooked some of the toughest challenges in the bush, medical groups say. or signup to continue reading Healthcare is a centrepiece of the Albanese government's budget, locking in a historic $7.
9 billion to fund 18 million extra yearly bulk billed GP visits by 2030. More than $265 million over four years will expand general practitioner training, with 400 additional places from 2028, half of which will be based in the bush. The regions will also get 17 Medicare new urgent care clinics under the continuation of a national program.
While Tuesday night's budget confirmed much-needed healthcare funding, it was unclear how much of it would reach the regions, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine president Rod Martin said. "With an election on the horizon, this is the time for political leaders to put forward concrete plans that will make a real difference in rural and remote Australia," Dr Martin said. Rural maternity care was seriously neglected, as birthing units continue to close despite 80,000 women giving birth outside the cities in 2024.
"Each closure weakens health in rural and remote communities just a little bit more," Dr Martin said. "There has been no commitment to turn this around." Any funding in rural health comes up against decades of disparity in funding and centralisation of services.
Financial modelling commissioned by the National Rural Health Alliance has shown there is a $6.55 billion annual underspend on health in the regions, or $850 per person. The government's reforms to open up more bulk billing do not consider the complexities of country clinics, the alliance's chief executive Susi Tegen said.
The alliance, which represents 53 health organisations, has long pushed for a national rural health strategy that would set out a clear plan to help the ailing system. "We call on all political parties to commit to delivering specific health packages for our rural communities as part of their election campaigns," Ms Tegen said. "Rural Australians are integral to the nation's socio-economic health and wellbeing - without them, the rest of the nation's economic health hangs in the balance.
" The budget also locked in measures to improve access to childcare, including half a billion dollars to build new centres in under-served areas. The lack of access to early education in country areas, where 2.8 million people live in childcare deserts, has been described as a handbrake on regional productivity and women's workforce participation.
Funding to improve digital connectivity, including improved NBN services to 334,000 regional homes and businesses was also confirmed. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
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