RDAQ  is currently working on behalf of Queensland's rural doctors in a number of important areas, including the review of MSRPP models and conditions; recruitment and support for Overseas Trained Doctors; implementation of the Maternity Services Review; and models for improved service delivery in rural areas.

The Association has a focus on not only improving conditions for rural doctors and their families, but also for communities in which they live and work.

In Queensland, RDAQ represents rural doctors in many forums.  RDAQ representatives meet regularly with both the State Health Minister and Queensland Health, ensuring that state rural health issues retain a high profile.   We also have strong links with rural organisations such as the CWA and Agforce.

To address national issues, RDAQ is a member of the Rural Doctor's Association of Australia, (RDAA). The President and the immediate Past President make up each State's representation on the Board of RDAA.  Many private general practice issues are addressed on a national level through liaison with the Federal Minister for Health and the Department of Health and Human Services.  Importantly, RDAA represents rural doctors at a raft of national meetings, helping to ensure that rural medical issues get appropriate attention.   Dr Ross Maxwell, and RDAQ Past President, was RDAA President for 2005-06.

IMPLEMENTATION of COAG Section 19.2 (a) EXEMPTIONS FOR SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES
RDAQ has worked with Queensland Health and other stakeholders to develop State-wide guidelines for the implementation of the COAG initiative to allow bulk billing of primary health care services provided from public health facilities in eligible rural towns.
To view the guidlines, click here


MSRPP ISSUES
In conjunction with Queensland Health, RDAQ has developed a manual for new MSRPPs and MORPPs.  A copy of this document is available here   

One of RDAQ's most significant achievement s for MSRPPs and MORPPs in recent times has been the granting of inaccessibility allowances under the EB6 agreement.  The original agreement failed to provide this allowance to MSRPPs and MORPPs, but RDAQ has worked with AMAQ and other rural stakeholders to ensure that these doctors, who are often working in solo practices in some of the most isolated areas in the State, will now be able to access these allowances.

 The Association continues to promote MSRPP reform, including safe working hours, and a transition where possible from one doctor towns to models where two or more doctors service rural and remote towns and communities.

RDAQ continues to represent MSRPPs industrially and is active in negotiations for the next round of Enterprise Bargaining.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TRIALS
RDAQ representatives are serving on various Committees which are overseeing the trial of the Physician Assistant model in Queensland. .

The Association has adopted a 'wait and see'  approach pending the rigorous and transparent evaluation of these trials.  RDAQ supports task delegation rather than task substitution in the delivery of health care services to rural and remote Queensland communities.

IMPLEMENTATION of the REVIEW of MATERNITY SERVICES in QUEENSLANDRDAQ has welcomed the nomination of Dr Cherell Hirst to oversee the implementation of this important review.  The Association previously joined with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine to make a detailed submission to the Review and will be participating in the implementation process.  
RDAQ/ACCRRM submssion to the Reivew of Maternity Services



INDIGENOUS HEALTH
RDAQ has developed an indigenous health policy in partnership with the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council. 
A copy of the policy document is available here

"THE OTHER SIDE OF THE EQUATION"
- issues that impact on Overseas-trained doctors in rural & remote Queensland
 
Health Workforce Queensland & Rural Doctors Association of Queensland. (2005). "The Other Side of the Equation" - issues that impact on Overseas-trained doctors in rural & remote Queensland . Brisbane: HWQ.
[PDF 340KB]