The 33 national organisations in the Alliance work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of people in rural Australia.  Currently rural people face an annual health care deficit of at least $2.1 billion, and a range of other inequities. The Alliance’s current priorities include new investment in dental services and aged care, how the electronic health record can benefit country people, training health professionals in rural areas, and a national approach to the prevention of foetal alcohol syndrome.

We waited three years for this new National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health (November 2011), the successor to the 1999 Healthy Horizons Framework 1999-2003 and its successor the Healthy Horizons Framework: Outlook 2003-2007. Was the wait worth it? What’s new? Read More

National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health

We waited three years for the new National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health (November 2011), the successor to the 1999 Healthy Horizons Framework 1999-2003 and the 2003-2007 version. Was it worth the wait? Is it a good basis for a national Rural/Remote Health Plan? Read more

Presentations now available

You can now stream the audio and PowerPoint presentations made at the recent AHHA/NRHA Rural and Remote Policy Think Tank on National Health Reform in Rural and Remote Communities: the impact of organisational change and new funding flows. A summary of the findings is currently being prepared.

See Media release: Policy Think Tank will scrutinise rural health reforms

The national review of health research

The Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research (the McKeon Review) is an important opportunity to assess the relationship between the body of effort in an important area of scientific endeavour and the national interest.  To be effective, health and medical research must encompass more than basic discovery and ‘biomedical inquiry’.  For example it must also improve our understanding of the significance of the social determinants of health and provide an evidence base for analysis of health services. Read More

Much is expected in the May Budget for improved oral health for people in need.  Whatever the Treasurer announces, it will be only a start on national work to meet the enormous need in the area, including where rural areas are concerned.

Five peak bodies are coming together to keep a focus on what needs to be done to provide fairer access, especially for disadvantaged groups.  Better oral health is essential.  Bad oral health is prevantable.

Lend your support to this vital and achievable cause.  Set aside Wednesday 15 August, Canberra - and watch this site (and those of AHHA, ACOSS, PHAA and AHCRA) for further program details.

This status update was too late to include in Partyline, but readers who follow the Partyline postings of Kirstyn’s orientation to life in the bush will appreciate the update. As well as status updates, Partyline 43 looks at rural smoking rates, the need for action on oral health and aged care, the influence of rural Independents in a hung parliament, and the new agency, Rural and Regional Health Australia. Subscription is free: partyline@ruralhealth.org.au