The Federal Government has today announced it will provide $2.8 million to fund preliminary exploratory work on the establishment of a new medical school in the Northern Territory.
Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare said the NT had persistent challenges attracting and retaining a medical workforce, with many doctors travelling from other parts of Australia or internationally, rather than living long-term in the Territory.
“The Albanese Government is backing in the Territory and helping Charles Darwin University establish its first medical school to start training doctors and nurses,” he said.
“This investment will allow Charles Darwin University to apply for Commonwealth support medical places in its own right and not have to rely on other education partners across Australia.
“The Government will continue to consider what further investments can be made to support the provision of high quality medical training in the Northern Territory.”
The Government is set to provide Charles Darwin University CDU with funding to seek the accreditation required to establish an end-to-end medical school, so doctors can access the training they need to stay and work in the community.
Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler said there was substantial evidence that shows doctors who train in rural and regional Australia are more likely to stay and practise in rural and regional Australia after they graduate.
“By investing in the training of medical students we encourage the uptake of exciting careers in rural, regional and remote health care,” he said.
“The Albanese Government will use all possible levers to encourage doctors and other health workers to be where patients need them to be – outside of cities and in areas of need.
“We want students from the NT and beyond to have more opportunities to study medicine and get the ongoing training they need to put down roots in the community.”
CDU’s work towards establishing a new medical school will complement existing medical training arrangements in the NT.
“The Federal Government understands how important it is from the Northern Territory to grow our own medical workforce,” said Northern Territory Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles.
“This funding will assist in the accreditation needed to establish a new medical school. My Government will continue to support Charles Darwin University to make sure we get our fair share of investment.”
