Health and Health Practice in Rural Australia: Where are We, Where to From Here?

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of rural health discourse in Australia highlighting contemporary rural health practice, models of care and the challenges experienced in recruiting and retaining an effective workforce. Socioeconomic difficulties, inequitable access to services including education and health, lower employment levels, harsher environments, occupational hazards, and geographic and social isolation are factors identified as contributing to rural disadvantage. These concerns are described by health professionals when asked if they would consider rural practice as a career option. New initiatives designed to improve the recruitment and retention of health practitioners including nurses to “the Australian bush” are explored.