About the review
In September 2025, the Health Ministers’ Meeting (HMM) agreed rural generalist medicine as “a new field of specialty practice within the specialty of General Practice”, with the protected title of “specialist rural generalist”.
Rural Generalists are general practitioners (GPs) who have completed the majority of their general practice training outside of metropolitan areas, have additional training in emergency medicine (compared to standard GP training), and at least one area of advanced skill
The sector is seeking access to additional (higher MBS benefit) consultation items for Rural Generalists when practicing in their area of advanced skill in rural or remote areas.
On 8 December 2025, the MRAC agreed to review rural generalist access to MBS items and endorsed the establishment of an MRAC working group.
Who we work with
| Member | Area of specialty or expertise |
|---|---|
| Professor John Atherton (Chair) | Cardiology |
| Ms Jan Donovan | Consumer Representative |
| Professor Sally Green | Health Research |
| Dr Terence Heng | Rural General Practice |
| Dr Ronelle Hutchinson | Consumer Representative |
| Dr Sue Masel | Rural General Practice |
| Dr Tristan Nickless | Speech Pathology |
| Dr Jamie Nuttall | General Practice |
| Dr Christopher Symmons | Rural General Practice |
| Dr Clare Skinner | Emergency Medicine |
| Departmental Officers | |
| Associate Professor Andrew Singer | Principal Medical Adviser, Department of Health and Aged Care |
Why the review is important
To determine whether the MBS is the appropriate funding mechanism to support the Rural Generalist workforce’s advanced skills practice
Consultation
Targeted and public consultation processes will be undertaken during the review.
To register your interest in participating in the consultation email: MBSContinuousReview@health.gov.au
Status
It is anticipated this review will take approximately 12-18 months to complete.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | First working group meeting to be held |
| January 2026 | The Working Group was established |
| 8 December 2025 | The MRAC endorsed the commencement of the review and establishment of a working group |
Contact
