Key healthcare groups back new rural generalism specialt
22 Sep 2025
Key healthcare groups back new rural generalism specialty
Rural generalists have officially been recognised as specialists within general practice, marking what health leaders describe as a major milestone for rural and remote healthcare.
The decision, announced by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, has been welcomed by leading healthcare organisations including the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, and Palliative Care Australia (PCA). It follows six years of advocacy from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Recognition of rural generalism creates a national standard for the specialty, making the career pathway more visible and helping to attract more doctors to work in rural and remote Australia. It also supports fairer pay for rural generalists, who often deliver both primary and emergency care in towns where they are the backbone of local healthcare.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the recognition ensures rural generalists are “properly valued for the vital work they do in rural and remote communities across Australia.”
Minister Butler described the announcement as a “significant milestone” that will strengthen access to health services outside major cities, while ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin called it a “defining moment” that highlights the advanced skills rural generalists bring across hospital, emergency and community medicine.
PCA CEO Camilla Rowland also praised the move, noting that rural generalists often lead palliative care in their communities: “This is not just a win for rural doctors – it’s a win for every rural, remote and First Nations family who depend on them.”
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) will now assess rural generalist training programs for accreditation. Once approved, doctors who complete the qualifications will be able to apply for specialist registration and use the protected title of specialist Rural Generalist.
According to the MBA, transition arrangements are also being developed for doctors already working in the field, ensuring their experience is recognised as the new system takes effect.
Source: RACGP newsGP – Key healthcare groups back new rural generalism specialty
