National event launches regional, rural and remote healthcare report
Date published:
27 Oct 2026
The RACP launched its report, Australia's Regional, Rural and Remote Healthcare Crisis [PDF], at a national online event in September 2026 attended by members and external stakeholders.
The webinar brought together physicians, paediatricians, trainees, policymakers and healthcare leaders to discuss the challenges facing regional, rural and remote communities and explore solutions to improve access to specialist care.
During the event, key findings from the report were presented, including ongoing workforce shortages, limited training pathways, increasing service pressures and the growing complexity of care in non-metropolitan settings. The report also outlines the RACP's five-point plan to strengthen physician training pathways and improve access to specialist care outside metropolitan areas.
The webinar featured a keynote address from Professor Jenny May, National Rural Health Commissioner, alongside presentations from physicians and trainees who shared firsthand experiences of working and training in regional, rural and remote Australia. Speakers highlighted the impact of workforce shortages, service gaps and limited training opportunities on patients, communities and the healthcare workforce.
The event generated strong engagement and provided an important platform to launch the report and support the College's ongoing advocacy for equitable access to specialist care across Australia.
Read the report and find out more about the College's advocacy priorities.