The 12th meeting of the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel (RHMAP) was held virtually on 20 May 2026. The meeting was chaired by Dr Richard Colbran, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Doctors Network, and was attended by the Minister for Health and Regional Health, the Hon. Ryan Park MP.
Engagement was a key theme of the meeting, aligning with the Rural Health Inquiry recommendations and a priority for regional, rural and remote health to keep communities informed, build engagement and seek feedback. Discussions focused on the need to build trust through investment in effective engagement that ensures communities are heard in the delivery of responsive, culturally appropriate, and locally relevant services.
Members were updated on the delivery of the Rural Health Inquiry recommendations, noting that 41 of 44 recommendations have been implemented, with the remaining actions progressing toward Implementation in 2026. This reflects continued system wide effort to improve access, workforce and service delivery outcomes across rural, regional and remote NSW.
Progress on the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program was acknowledged, including the delivery of new and repurposed housing in regional communities. The Panel recognised the program as a key enabler of workforce attraction and retention, with broader benefits for local communities.
The Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship Program was identified as a valuable initiative supporting medical students’ progression to junior doctors, with a focus on encouraging long term study, work and retention in regional, rural and remote NSW. The program demonstrates strong completion rates and return of service outcomes. Members discussed opportunities to further strengthen the program, including expanding rotations to better align with workforce needs.
Local Health Committees (LHCs) were highlighted as a key mechanism for strengthening community engagement. The Panel noted the range of approaches used across districts to inform service priorities and ongoing work to clarify roles, improve consistency and encourage community input into local planning. Inclusion of representation from Aboriginal community members and local stakeholders was important.
Discussions also focused on improving care coordination by strengthening integration between hospitals and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to improve clinical handover, communication and continuity of care. While examples of good practice exist, a more coordinated and consistent, system wide approach is needed.
An update on the Collaborative Care Program emphasised the value of place based, community led approaches to addressing local health challenges. The Panel noted the benefits of co design, strong partnerships and local leadership in delivering sustainable improvements.
The panel also acknowledged ongoing work and positive outcomes from workforce incentive programs, particularly their contribution to recruitment and retention, and supported their continuation.
During the Minister’s session, Panel members discussed key issues affecting regional communities, including immunisation, workforce sustainability, service coordination, and the need to strengthen partnerships across the health sector. Members emphasised that improvements to integrated care, coordination and continuity of care for Aboriginal people remain a priority and require continued focus.
The next RHMAP meeting will be held on 22 July 2026.