Rural Councils Forced to Foot the Bill for Health Care

MR RICK WILSON MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

1st July 2026

Rural Councils Forced to Foot the Bill for Health Care

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson has called on the Albanese Government to address the growing inequity in rural healthcare, highlighting in Federal Parliament on Wednesday that regional councils are increasingly being forced to fund services that should be the responsibility of the Commonwealth.

Mr Wilson said the Shires of Lake Grace, Narembeen, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Ravensthorpe and Kojonup collectively contribute more than $1.4 million each year in cash, housing, vehicles, medical facilities and other incentives simply to attract and retain doctors.

“In metropolitan areas, primary healthcare is funded as it should be through the Commonwealth health system,” Mr Wilson said.

“But in many rural communities, councils are being forced to step in as the funder of last resort just to ensure residents can see a GP.”

Mr Wilson said the burden falls hardest on small regional councils with limited ratepayer bases and populations often under 5,000 people.

“These are the councils least able to afford these costs, yet some are spending up to 16 per cent of their annual rate revenue to keep a doctor in town,” he said.

“That is money that should be going towards roads, community infrastructure, economic development and local services.”

Mr Wilson said councils across Australia reported similar challenges at a recent Local Government Rural Health Funding Alliance workshop in Canberra, with local governments contributing millions of dollars annually to prop up GP services.

“Rural Australians are effectively paying three times – through their Medicare levy, through out-of-pocket consultation fees and through their council rates,” he said.

“Our communities are not asking for special treatment. They are simply asking for the same access to healthcare that Australians in the cities take for granted.”

Mr Wilson called on the Federal Government to deliver targeted funding solutions for remote and regional communities, saying no council should have to choose between funding a doctor and building the infrastructure their community needs to thrive.

ENDS

Media contact: Reuben Keyser
Communications and Community Engagement Adviser
[email protected]
(08) 9842 2777
0455 125 035