The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) is excited to welcome the announcement of the 2026-2031 National Health Reform Agreement Addendum. With rural communities identified as areas needing action through a specific schedule to the Agreement is a great win for rural health. The announcement results from consistent advocacy and input by the National Rural Health Alliance and reestablishes the need for a National Rural Health Strategy.
“After long discussions between Federal, State and Territory Governments, it is really positive to see an agreement which reflects the specific needs of rural communities”, the NRHA Chief Executive, Ms Susi Tegen, said.
The new Addendum will deliver an additional $24.4 billion to the Australian public health system and hospitals and features the new Better Health Equity for Rural and Remote Communities Schedule, including plans for improved access to services and flexible models and initiatives to support health equity for rural and remote communities.
It also focuses on aged care and NDIS reform. The introduction of the Thriving Kids program serves as a transition from the federal NDIS to a states/territories-led initiative starting in October 2026. The program aims to provide early, community-based support for children aged 8 and under with developmental delays or autism.
The Addendum recognises the complex needs of rural communities and the importance of equitable, tailored service delivery models. “We trust and hope that state and territory Governments honour their commitment to, and implement rural specific programs, as city models do not fit and result in chronic underservice and underspending. The federal government must make states accountable – this is after all, taxpayers’ money”, said Ms Tegen.
“We know that rural communities have come up with innovative solutions and models where Medicare alone does not cover the cost and multidisciplinary scope of services needed. This is an opportunity for governments to listen, work with these communities and act”.
The new Schedule prioritises cooperative working arrangements between LHNs, PHNs, Rural Workforce Agencies, and local multidisciplinary primary health and medical service providers to develop, implement, and evaluate reforms to meet community needs, including developing flexible funding infrastructure.
“We can no longer accept that if you are one of the 7.4 million people or 30% of the Australian population that lives in and contributes to rural Australia, that you deserve and receive less than those in the city. It is un-Australian – indeed, it is a human rights issue.”
The NRHA welcomes the focus on rural and remote health and the efforts of the government to strive towards health equity for all Australians. With the establishment of a national Schedule with specific rural components, the responsibility to achieve positive reform for rural and remote communities lies with both levels of government.
“I believe this is a real call to action and is in keeping with the need for a National Rural Health Strategy between federal and state/territory governments for specific rural health workforce development, and health, aged care and disability access and research. Some states have already taken on this challenge,” Ms Tegen states.
The NRHA looks forward to continuing its work with the Australian federal governments and state/territory Governments as they implement the rural and remote health requirements agreed to in this NHRA Addendum.
Media enquires: Kate Tarbotton, Administration, Media, and Policy Assistant, National Rural Health Alliance, [email protected]