NEWROC Projects

Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government

Why this matters

Local governments shouldn’t be responsible for delivering primary healthcare - but in the NEWROC region, they’re stepping in because no one else is. Without proper funding support, communities risk losing access to essential health services. This policy push is about fairness, sustainability, and keeping rural towns liveable for the long term.

Background

NEWROC’s member local governments are contributing over $370,000 annually - plus housing, vehicles and clinics - to attract and retain GPs in their communities. These expenses are drawn directly from limited rates income and are not sustainable. Despite this, rural communities remain underserved due to workforce shortages, insufficient state and federal incentives, and a lack of targeted support for remote towns.

Purpose

To secure increased Financial Assistance Grant support for rural and remote local governments that are funding GP attraction and retention out of necessity - not mandate. This includes increasing the Medical Facilities Cost Adjustor cap from $100,000 to $300,000 for RM5–7 classified councils.

NEWROC's Actions

Advocating for a higher Medical Facilities Cost Adjustor to reflect true costs of GP attraction and retention
Highlighting the disproportionate burden placed on small local governments to fund essential healthcare
Demonstrating that current Commonwealth and State health incentives do not meet the needs of remote towns
Aligning this policy position with national principles of horizontal equalisation and rural health equity
Presenting data to show the health outcomes and economic costs of GP shortages in the region

Project Documents or Supporting Files

NEWROC Policy Position - Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government

NEWROC Supports National Motion to Boost GP Funding for Rural Communities - Statement June 2025