New data from the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) has revealed stark health inequalities between rural and metropolitan Australia, with avoidable deaths in regional and remote areas occurring at nearly four times the rate of those in urban centres.
The Rural Health in Australia Snapshot 2025, released today, underscores significant gaps in life expectancy, healthcare access, and funding. According to the report, men in Very Remote areas are dying up to 13.6 years earlier, and women up to 12.7 years earlier, compared to those in major cities.
Access to primary healthcare remains a major concern, with nearly 18,500 Australians still living more than an hour’s drive from essential medical services. While this figure marks an improvement from previous data, it highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring adequate healthcare coverage in rural areas.
The report compiles data on health risks, disease burden, workforce shortages, domestic violence, maternity health, and funding disparities, illustrating the extent to which rural communities lag behind their urban counterparts.
NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen described the findings as a “shameful failure” to provide equitable healthcare services to regional Australians.
“This data highlights the shameful failure to adequately provide funding and services to rural Australians, who contribute so much to our economy. Why are they treated like second-class citizens, with a staggering $848 less spent per person per year on healthcare?” Ms Tegen said.
Despite the challenges, the report also notes the advantages of rural living, including a strong sense of community, access to fresh local produce, and lower levels of loneliness. With increasing interest in regional living, the NRHA stresses the importance of ensuring healthcare infrastructure keeps pace with demand.
“The Snapshot reinforces the urgent need for immediate action, especially with the Federal election on the horizon. It is a wake-up call to say enough is enough,” Ms Tegen said.
“For decades, we have known about the healthcare challenges, the additional costs, and the tyranny of distance, but there has been too little action.”
The NRHA is calling for a National Rural Health Strategy under the National Health Reform Agreement to better coordinate policies, funding, and service delivery across different levels of government. The organisation is also advocating for increased infrastructure and “block” funding to ensure rural communities receive sustainable and equitable healthcare solutions.
“The solutions exist on the ground,” Ms Tegen said. “It is time to step up, allow for flexibility, prioritise equity and address these glaring disparities. The NRHA is willing to work with any government to rectify this as the health of rural Australia cannot wait any longer.”
Click here to download the The Rural Health in Australia Snapshot 2025
