19 March 2025
Australians are facing longer waits for specialist medical care, widespread medicine shortages, and increasing health impacts from climate events – challenges that will worsen without concrete action during the next term of government, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has warned.
With access to healthcare among the top concerns for voters heading to the polls – 42 per cent rating it as their most important issue [1], the RACP is calling on all political parties to commit to urgent reforms that will help strengthen Australia’s healthcare system.
RACP President Professor Jennifer Martin said that investments in Australia's physician workforce, medicines supply, and climate change mitigation and adaptation are crucial to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
“In the last four years, the percentage of patients waiting longer than acceptable times for specialist care has risen from 22% to 29%, with these delays disproportionately impacting regional communities [2].
“Because of the aging population and the growth in chronic disease more Australians than ever are seeking specialist care, yet we haven’t implemented workforce reforms that can help improve patient access.
“Supporting and strengthening the healthcare workforce is perhaps the most crucial piece of the puzzle,” Professor Martin said.
“By funding more physician training places in regional and rural communities, investing in wellbeing and safety initiatives for doctors and training international medical graduates to deliver optimal care we can improve patient access and outcomes.
“Across Australia we’re facing critical medicine shortages, which are particularly impacting patients from vulnerable population groups.
“Australia imports 90% of our medicines, making us highly susceptible to disruptions in supply.
“We need to invest in domestic manufacturing of medicines to ensure a stable and reliable supply of critical medications for Australian patients.
“The increased frequency and intensity of weather events such as extreme heat, cyclones, and floods is harming patients and putting immense pressure on our healthcare system.
“We need to ensure a healthcare system that can respond to the health impacts of climate change while also reducing its own carbon footprint.
“This means investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, reducing unnecessary healthcare, and ensuring our hospitals and clinics are prepared for the challenges ahead.
“All Australians deserve access to quality specialist medical care, essential medicines, and protection from growing climate health impacts.
“The upcoming election is a critical opportunity for all parties to commit to addressing these essential healthcare priorities," Professor Martin said.
In its election statement, The roadmap for the healthcare Australians need, the RACP is calling for:
- Funding more physician training places in regional and rural communities through the Specialist Training Program
- Establishing a Chief Wellness Officer to coordinate wellbeing initiatives for physicians and trainees.
- Funding workplace safety initiatives to reduce burnout and improve mental health support for healthcare workers.
- Supporting International Medical Graduates through dedicated training and supervision programs to ensure they can deliver high-quality care, particularly in rural and regional areas.
- Boosting domestic manufacturing of medicines to reduce Australia’s reliance on imported medications and strengthen supply chain resilience.
- Prioritising data sharing systems to monitor medicine shortages and improve communication to prescribers.
- Establishing a Climate Friendly Health System Innovation Fund to provide grants for climate-resilient initiatives.
- Requiring fossil fuel extraction projects to undertake full, independent Health Impact Assessments. [3]
[1] SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation - February 2025
[2] Patient Experiences – Australian Bureau of Statistics
[3] RACP – Election statement 2025