ACDHS is proud to release this landmark report, authored by Professor Gregory Kolt, which shines a spotlight on the pressing challenges—and timely opportunities—facing the rural and remote allied health workforce in Australia.
With nearly 7 million Australians living outside major cities, this report underscores the critical need for sustained, strategic action to ensure equitable access to high-quality allied health care across our diverse regions. The findings confirm what many of us know all too well: rural and remote communities face growing health inequities, made worse by severe workforce shortages and systemic underinvestment in allied health.
But there is hope – and a roadmap forward.
The report presents seven practical, evidence-informed solutions that call for increased government collaboration, financial support for students, rural training pipelines, better use of digital health, and enhanced inclusion of allied health in national strategies. From aged care to Indigenous health, digital care to overseas recruitment, it’s clear: the future of rural and remote healthcare must include a strong, sustainable, and well-supported allied health workforce.
Read the full report and join us in advocating for a health system that truly serves all Australians—regardless of their postcode.