Submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee Factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas

The Alliance welcomes the focus on small regional communitis and on the full range of health professionals in the terms of reference for the Inquiry. The high expectations of the new Medicare Locals and Primary Hospital Networks in improving health services for rural and remote areas are discussed. Specific recommendations are made about workforce development and re-distribution, including better targeting of health workforce incentives beyond the current ASGC-RA geographical system.