Last week, as Assistant Minister for Health, I introduced into the Parliament the Health Insurance Amendment (national rural health commissioner) Bill 2017 to establish the role of the commissioner as part of important reforms to regional and rural health. The commissioner will be established as a statutory office holder under the Health Insurance Act 1973.  

The health outcomes of regional and rural Australians are often diminished due to their remoteness and reduced access to health services.

Regional, rural and remote health is built on the commitment, the expertise and the courage of the rural health workforce, and addressing the distribution of the health workforce in regional, rural and remote areas is a key priority.

The coalition government wants to ensure there are good opportunities for regional and rural medical students to train and live locally, and for outside students to experience the benefits of living and working beyond the major cities.

The coalition government is providing $4.4 million to establish the new commissioner, who will work with communities, the health sector, universities, specialist training colleges and across all levels of government to improve rural health policies and champion the cause of rural practice.

The commissioner’s first task will be to develop a national rural generalist pathway, to improve access to training for doctors. Appropriate remuneration for rural generalists, recognising their extra skills and longer working hours, will also be under consideration. The community relies on rural health professionals to have courage and the skill-set to meet all kinds of challenges. 

The commissioner’s broader role will give consideration to the nursing, dental health, Indigenous health, mental health, midwifery and allied health needs.