AuSAE - AMA’s call for increased Federal Government investment in rural training opportunities

AMA’s call for increased Federal Government investment in rural training opportunities

20 Sep 2016 10:14 AM | Deleted user

The AMA has intensified its call for increased Federal Government investment in rural training opportunities for doctors amid mounting evidence that it would improve access to health care for rural communities.

A study published in the latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia highlights that doctors who have a rural background and train in a rural area are much more likely to practice in a rural area in the long term.

The study, Vocational training of general practitioners in rural locations is critical for the Australian rural medical workforce, found up to a 90 per cent chance that doctors who grew up and trained in a rural area would still be practising there five years later, helping redress persistent shortages of GPs in rural areas.

AMA President Dr Michael Gannon said the findings showed that the right investments by Government could make a real difference to access to care for rural communities.

“This study provides some important lessons for policy makers looking at how we can ensure that Australians living in rural areas have access to medical care,” Dr Gannon said.

“The problem isn’t a shortage of medical graduates. With medical school intakes now at record levels, we don’t need more medical students or any new medical schools.

“What we need are more and better opportunities for doctors, particularly those who come from the bush, to live and train in rural areas. The evidence shows that they are the most likely to stay on and serve their rural community once that qualify.”

Dr Gannon said the AMA has developed a number of policies that would substantially boost access to care in rural areas, including:

for the targeted intake of medical students from rural areas to be increased from a quarter to a third of all new enrolments;
the establishment of a Community Residency Program to give prevocational doctors, particularly those in rural areas, with access to three-month general practice placements;
an increase in the GP training program intake to 1700 places by 2018;
an expansion of the Specialist Training Program to 1400 places by 2018, with priority given to rural settings, under-supplied specialties and generalist roles; and
access to regional training networks to support doctors to train and remain in rural areas.

“The Federal Government has a wonderful opportunity to make a real and lasting difference by adopting these sensible, effective, evidence-based measures,” Dr Gannon said.

This Media Release was originally sourced from AMA.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia