Rural communities are the backbone of Australia, offering a way of life built on strong connections and a deep appreciation for the land. However, living in these beautiful landscapes often comes with unique challenges that impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.
The Social Determinants of Health in Rural Australia fact sheet, recently published by the National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) highlights how these factors – such as income, education, employment and social connection –shape health outcomes. The Alliance is committed to addressing these challenges through advocacy and policy reform, including our call for a National Rural Health Strategy. This comprehensive approach, a key focus of our 2025-26 pre-Budget submission, aims to improve the social determinants of health for people living in rural areas.
One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the fact sheet is healthcare access. People living in rural communities use Medicare services (such as GP visits) up to 50% less often than those in Major Cities and Inner Regional areas, leading to preventable hospitalisations that are up to three times more common in Remote regions.
Education and employment also present hurdles. In 2023, fewer than 60% of people aged 20 to 64 living in Remote and Very Remote areas had completed year 12 or equivalent, compared to almost 80% in Major Cities. With fewer education opportunities, securing stable employment becomes harder, contributing to higher unemployment rates in rural regions.
Housing and food security are additional concerns. Fresh food prices in some rural areas can be as much as 30% higher than in Metropolitan areas. Overcrowded, and insecure housing remains a persistent problem, affecting the stability and health of many families.
Family safety is another critical issue. People living in Remote areas are 24 times more likely to be hopsitalised due to family violence than residents in Major Cities. Strengthening support services is crucial for creating safer communities.
Despite these challenges, rural Australians demonstrate resilience and a strong sense of community. Many report higher levels of social cohesion and a greater sense of belonging. Volunteering is common, strengthening local services and fostering resilience. The connection to nature also provides health benefits, with access to clean air and open spaces promoting well-being.
The Alliance is actively advocating for policies that improve the social determinants of health for rural communities. Our call for a National Rural Health Strategy would help close the gaps in health and social outcomes. For example:
- Support for housing: secure, stable housing is fundamental to good health. The Alliance is advocating for increased investment in affordable housing solutions for rural communities, particularly for health workers, to improve workforce retention and overall community well-being.
- Mitigate and adapt to impact of climate change: Climate change is directly impacting rural communities through extreme weather events, water security issues, and changing agricultural conditions. The Alliance is advocating for climate adaptive infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms to bridge these gaps.
- Rural education and training: education and employment opportunities play a crucial role in health outcomes. We continue to push for targeted investments in rural training pathways, education incentives, and workforce attraction programs.
The Alliance remains committed to advocating for the needs of rural communities. Every Australian, regardless of where they live, deserves access to services and opportunities for a healthy, and fulfilling life.
To learn more about the Social Determinants of Health in Rural Australia fact sheet, and the Alliance’s ongoing advocacy efforts, visit our website.
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