In particular, RACS welcomes the one-year extension of Specialist Training Program (STP) grant agreements, which support specialist surgical training in regional, rural, private and non-traditional healthcare settings. We also welcome the opportunity to contribute to future redesign of the program, including expanding rural training opportunities and exploring training in private settings as part of public-private partnerships to support elective surgery delivery.
RACS also welcomes the investment of an additional $25 billion over five years for the public hospital system, while noting it is not yet clear how much of the investment will directly support surgical services, workforce capacity and elective surgery delivery. We see this as an important opportunity to work with states and territories, who are largely responsible for making decisions around funding allocation, to help ensure the funding uplift is directed toward areas of greatest need and patient impact.
The College notes the allocation of funding to inform future specialist affordability reforms and looks forward to engaging with Government and the Department of Health to better understand the scope of this work and how we can contribute surgical expertise and practical insights to support clinically informed, sustainable and patient-centred reform.
RACS continues to advocate for reforms that strengthen the sustainability, accessibility and safety of surgery across both the public and private healthcare systems in Australia. This includes:
- Medicare indexation, and a broader review of rebates and funding for surgical procedures to support sustainability of the private sector;
- appropriate funding for complex and lower-margin procedures, which are essential for patients with higher clinical needs but can be more difficult to deliver within current funding structures, contributing to longer wait times and reduced access; and
- addressing continued increases in medical indemnity costs and the associated pressures of surgical risk and liability.
As discussions on affordability and transparency reforms progress, RACS will continue advocating for approaches that recognise the complexity of surgical care, protect patient and practitioner privacy, and support a sustainable healthcare system.
RACS remains committed to working collaboratively with government and stakeholders to support safe, equitable and high-quality surgical care for all Australians.
