AMA calls for national plan to address rural doctor shortages
15 Oct 2026
The AMA said short-term workforce programs had not placed enough doctors in areas where they were needed. As a result, people living outside major cities often face long waits or must travel long distances to receive medical care.
The proposed reforms cover medical school admissions, specialist training, financial incentives and support for rural doctors and their families.
The AMA said all Australians should have access to timely, quality healthcare close to home, regardless of where they live. It argued that short-term programs tied to funding cycles were not enough to address ongoing workforce shortages.
The association wants clear responsibility for workforce reforms, along with transparent reporting and input from rural doctors and communities.
It also recommends giving regional hospitals and medical practices a stronger role in training general practitioners and specialists. Training places should be allocated according to population needs.
The AMA said students from rural backgrounds and those who gain positive experience during rural placements are more likely to work in these areas. However, some young doctors must move to cities to complete their training and do not return to rural communities.
To address this, the position statement proposes more flexible training options, including remote supervision, mixed online and in-person learning, access to examinations in regional areas and flexible assessment methods.
The AMA also wants financial incentives to reflect how remote a community is, its healthcare needs and the demands placed on local doctors, rather than relying mainly on location-based rules.
Rural doctors often manage demanding workloads, including procedures, on-call duties, after-hours care and the need to maintain essential services.
The association said better support was needed to help doctors remain in rural areas without risking burnout. This includes affordable childcare, employment opportunities for partners, education, housing and confidential wellbeing services.
The AMA is urging all levels of government to work together and commit to a long-term plan for Australia’s rural medical workforce.
AMA calls for national plan to address rural doctor shortages
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA) — Times up on quick fixes: AMA calls for national rural workforce plan.