The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his re-election and stands ready to continue a strong collaboration with the re-elected Labor government to advance rural health reform across rural, regional and remote Australia.
NRHA worked closely with the first-term Albanese Government on a number of reviews, most of which have now presented their recommendations. A second-term government must now drive key health reforms aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare for the 7.3 million Australians—30 per cent of the population—living in rural, regional and remote communities.
"NRHA looks forward to assisting this Government and Department with the work of implementing many of the key initiatives that were reformed during their first term. These include the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce: Scope of Practice Review, the Strengthening Medicare Measures, the National Medical Workforce Strategy, and the Australian Digital Health Workforce Strategy," said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
"Our contribution, alongside other rural health stakeholders, helped shape these reforms and many of our recommendations were acknowledged and referenced in the final reports," she said. "Now it is time for the Albanese Government to implement these important reforms and measures and the NRHA stands ready to help in this implementation phase."
These reforms are the basis for real change and can't come too soon. Rural and remote communities can wait no longer. They have poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts.
"Our input into the review process highlighted the importance of grassroots-led health services, a stronger Primary Care system, rural mental health services, as well as women's health services. We have also made it clear that digital health and connectivity are critical to improving healthcare access and outcomes. "
"Throughout our work, the goal has remained clear—ensuring health equity and parity for all Australians, regardless of where they live."
About us:
The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 54 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.
