For three days, a group of GPs and College delegates attended meetings with three key advocacy items:
- A significant boost in Federal Government support for the healthcare workforce to meet patient demand
- Investment in general practice to relieve pressure on hospitals
- Support the establishment of a national practice-based research network focused on preventative care.
As we draw closer to the release of the Federal Budget for 2024, these long-term asks from the delegation are entrenched in future-focused measures that call for action beyond elections and budget cycles. Committing to these priorities is foundational to strengthening Australia’s healthcare system. RACGP delegates attending the event had a broad and diverse experiences, ensuring that we were able to advocate for health outcomes for all Australians. My priority was to speak to the rural experience and share the ways in which policy impacts both our rural workforce and consumers. Understanding these impacts is key to ensuring we are moving towards equitable health outcomes in rural and remote Australia.
This month, I also attended the Western Australia Rural Health Conference 2024. The keynote was presented by Rural Health Commissioner, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart. The conference covered a broad range of topics and disciplines and was an amazing opportunity to connect not only with GP colleagues, but across rural healthcare in Western Australia, granting a unique insight into challenges and successes faced in different communities and professions.
One key message that was apparent in both events was the value of sharing our experiences with our peers, our colleagues, and those who represent us. The opportunity to hear the experiences of my colleagues in Western Australia was informative and granted me an insight into opportunities to work together and support each other. At GPs@Parliament, the parliamentarians are keen to hear firsthand experiences of frontline workers and were eager to discuss how they can support.
I would like to encourage you all to continue connecting with colleagues, learning with your peers, and engaging your local MPs and discuss your experiences in rural general practice with them. These conversations hold immense value and are key to driving outcomes for rural in the future. If you are stuck with where to start, the college has created a fantastic member guide for local advocacy or reach out to the RACGP Rural Faculty at rural@racgp.org.au.
A/Prof Michael Clements
Chair, RACGP Rural
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