The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has welcomed a report by a Senate Inquiry into rural health, saying it has provided a ‘ringing endorsement’  of policies put forward by the Association.

 

Dr Paul Mara, President of the RDAA, thanked the members of the Senate Inquiry.

 

“Finally someone is listening,” Dr Mara said.

 

“For years we’ve been trying to explain to the government why the current policies just don’t work, but they just haven’t got the message.”

 

“This ASGC-RA system is fatally flawed and instead of doing what it is supposed to do, rewarding doctors for working in rural practice, it is doing the opposite and actually costing some towns their medical services,” Dr Mara said.

 

Key findings from the inquiry, The factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas, include:

 

  • Replacement of the current ASGC-RA system
  • Calls for increased numbers of rural generalist GPs
  • More rural placement opportunities for prevocational training
  • Extend HECS rebates to allied health disciplines
  • Strategies around increased intakes of rural students into training courses
  • Additional support (eg locums) for rural GPs who are providing training

 

“It was great to see the committee recognise the importance of rural generalists to rural and remote communities,” Dr Mara said.

 

“These rural doctors have advanced skills training in areas such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, surgery and mental health.”

 

“We look forward to working further with both the Government and the COAG Reform Council, as suggested by the Senate Committee, to help develop these policies.”