SARRAH Remains Resolute Despite Disappointment Over Program Funding Decision

Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), a leader in rural health workforce development and support, expresses its profound disappointment following the Commonwealth Government’s decision to discontinue funding The Allied Health Rural Generalist Education and Training Pathway (including allied health professionals and allied health assistants), a cornerstone initiative aimed at improving service capacity of allied health practices in rural and remote Australia.  While the news is disheartening, SARRAH remains resolute in its commitment to progress allied health rural generalism to support better health and quality of life for rural Australians.

SARRAH President Lisa Baker said “This decision is difficult to comprehend at a time when health workforce shortages are critical, especially in rural and remote communities.  Despite demonstrated impact, the denial of funding for this training pathway underscores the challenges organisations like ours face in securing vital resources to drive positive change. The program's potential to increase the supply of allied health professionals and assistants makes this setback particularly devastating for rural and remote communities.”

As part of a multidisciplinary team, allied health professionals such as pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and speech pathologists provide a broad range of services across aged care, mental health, disability, early childhood development and chronic disease management to improve health and quality of life. The rural generalist training pathway provides vital support to employers to build the capacity needed to deliver allied health services to people living in rural and remote communities, who carry a higher burden of disease compared to metropolitan counterparts.

SARRAH acknowledges the dedication and hard work of all involved in the training pathways, including our program participants and stakeholders.  Their unwavering commitment and passion have been instrumental in the impact this program has seen to date.

“Moving forward, SARRAH is steadfast in its determination to explore alternative avenues and opportunities to advance the Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway” said Ms Baker.  “The setback will only serve to strengthen our resolve and determination to make a meaningful difference in rural health.”

SARRAH remains committed to its purpose of improving access to allied health services for people living in rural and remote Australia and is grateful for the continued support of its stakeholders and partners.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Catherine Maloney at catherine@sarrah.org.au or mobile 0491 209 291.