Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in Darwin to meet some of Charles Darwin University's (CDU) School of Medicine first students, reiterating the importance of the program to the Northern Territory in securing the future health workforce.
From February 9, the 42-strong cohort – including two First Nations students – will begin their studies through the CDU Menzies Medical Program.
The program, which received 1900 applications, will be hosted in the $30.8 million Centre for Better Health Futures (CBHF). Students will have access to a simulated emergency department, a 12-bed hospital ward, and preclinical and clinical simulation environments.
In 2023, the University was allocated $15 million by the Australian Government towards the development of the CBHF, where the medical program will be based.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who visited the CBHF on Tuesday, said his Government was investing $24.6 million to deliver the CDU Menzies School of Medicine, which marked a step change for medical training in the Northern Territory.
"From this first intake, the school will support 40 commencing students per year. By 2030, Charles Darwin University will have 200 domestic medical students at any one time," he said.
"This will more than double the number of permanent medical students in the Northern Territory.
"The new places will help train and retain more doctors to provide healthcare in the Top End to meet the needs of the growing community."
Jobe Bonney, one of the first students to study a Bachelor of Clinical Science Medicine/Doctor of Medicine at CDU, said the opportunity to study in the Territory was invaluable.
A proud Kaurareg and Gunggari man born and raised in Nhulunbuy, Mr Bonney said he was motivated to become a doctor and give back to his community and others across the NT.
"I am keen to study medicine at CDU because my support network is here – which includes my family, friends and mentors – and they will help guide and support me as I become a doctor that understands the needs of the NT," he said.
"The Territory is where my heart is, I value the lifestyle and the people. The medical work here, especially the remote work, is extremely interesting and rewarding.
"I believe I can make the greatest difference right here in the Territory."
CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the demand from prospective students showcased the need for a medical program in the NT.
"The Territory's health landscape is unique, so it's important we look to our own backyard to grow our doctors instead of interstate," he said.
"We're a University for the Territory, and ensuring this place has a strong workforce pipeline in the health field is a fantastic initiative.
"Watching our first cohort of medical students embark on their academic journeys is an exciting milestone not just for the University, but for the community as well."
CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Upton said the University now offered training for all the health professions the Territory needed.
"Developing a space for the Territory's future health workforce to grow and learn together will ensure a variety of services are able to effectively operate side by side in the community," Professor Upton said.
"The facility and its associated programs are specifically designed with Territorians in mind, meaning our future doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals will be set up for success after graduation."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said welcoming the first students to CDU's School of Medicine was a proud moment.
"Being able to study medicine here at home, close to family and community is great for Territorians," she said.
"This is an important step in growing the health workforce in the Territory. Offering medical training here means the future of the NT is being shaped by people who know the Territory best, understand our communities, and want to stay and build their lives here."
Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans' Affairs and Northern Australia and Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, said the School of Medicine would be vital in securing the NT's future workforce.
"This medical school is here because the Albanese Government made a deliberate decision to invest in the Northern Territory's future health workforce, and today we're seeing that commitment turn into real outcomes for Territorians," he said.
"From 40 new students each year to 200 medical students on campus by 2030, this program will more than double the number of permanent medical students in the Territory and strengthen our health system for decades to come. "This is how you tackle workforce shortages properly - train locally, retain locally, and build a stronger, more reliable health system for Territorians."
