We are officially at the end of 2023. It has been another massive year, 2023 has been full of wins and opportunities, we have advocated for growth and improvement within the profession and we look forward to carrying this momentum forward into 2024.
Earlier this month, the National Cabinet endorsed the Final Report of the Independent review of Australia’s regulatory settings relating to overseas health practitioners, led by Ms Robyn Kruk AO. This has been a highly anticipated report, and the College is currently closely reviewing what the implications and outcomes of this report mean for general practice and the international workforce. It is crucial that we move forward and act on the report. Cutting red tape will allow us to bolster the medical workforce in communities that are struggling and help alleviate the burden on the stretched resources currently servicing these areas.
I encourage everyone to take some time out and look after themselves during the holiday period. For some people, this time of year means a period of downtime and relief. For others, it means stepping in so others can take time out. We wish to acknowledge and thank all of our colleagues who will provide much-needed coverage over this period. At times our members are the only people available for their community, which contributes to the pressure to continue. So, I encourage people to give what they can over this festive period and look after themselves. Having boundaries and self-imposed limits is about sustainability and not abandonment. Our communities need us to be well and our health means their health.
Our remote communities have experienced everything from cyclones to flooding and bushfires in recent years. Communities in Far North Queensland are currently facing significant flooding following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. As I reflect on my own response to my community and practice flooding in 2019, I remember it was the support from my colleagues that helped get me through, Nicole Higgins and Bruce Willett came to visit me and my wife in the aftermath of the disaster for support and there was a steady stream of messages of offers of help and support from around the country that really did make a difference.Therefore, if you and your communities are facing a disaster situation this season then please accept offers of help and reach out and connect. RACGP along with RDAQ and AMAQ have been making contact with practices in North Queensland this week to offer assistance, including advice on accessing emergency grants.
RACGP have developed a Summer Planning Toolkit and Emergency Response Planning Tool (ERPT) which has helpful resources and information to help you in planning for, and recovering from significant events in your community. And if you know of a GP or practice in a community that has been hit, please reach out to them, not just once or twice but keep in touch. The impact of these disasters outlasts the news cycle, and it often takes months and sometimes years to heal from some of these events.
As the Rural Council Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has participated in Council business, Committee meetings, and contributed to the numerous activities that the Rural Faculty participates in. Your dedication to your colleagues and the profession as advocates, educators, and changemakers is inspiring and humbling. Without this hard work, it wouldn’t be possible to make the headway that we have on so many issues.
Email RACGP Rural or join the conversation in our Facebook group so we can continue to advocate for you on issues that matter.
A/Prof Michael Clements
Chair, RACGP Rural
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