Focusing on two workforce development initiatives, this report explores the integration of allied health professionals with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). The findings reveal a complex landscape of health service provision, highlighting both opportunities and significant challenges. 

Examining the Allied Health Rural Generalist Education and Training Scheme (TAHRGETS) and the Building the Rural and Remote Allied Health Assistant Workforce (BRAHAW) program, the report identifies barriers to the successful implementation, including funding limitations, recruitment challenges, and professional isolation. It makes recommendations for policy changes and further research.

Key findings

• Considerable variation exists in how ACCHOs deliver allied health services and the services provided.
• Funding is a major barrier as it is often tied to short-term contracts and Medicare funding, deemed insufficient to support full-time positions. 
• Attracting and recruiting allied health professionals is also challenging, particularly in rural and remote areas, due to factors like limited accommodation and professional isolation.
• Retaining professionals is hampered by similar issues, including the lack of long-term contracts, the high cost of living in remote areas, and limited professional support networks.

Key recommendations

• Establish sustainable funding mechanisms that allow ACCHOs to offer competitive salaries and create stable allied health positions, reducing reliance on short-term contracts.
• Provide incentives for allied health professionals to work in rural and remote areas, potentially including housing subsidies, relocation assistance, and professional development opportunities.
• Reimagine the Allied Health Rural Generalist pathway to support Indigenous Allied Health Professionals and encourage their engagement in rural and remote practice.