Australia has announced its first ever national rural health commissioner to help address a longstanding shortfall of regional doctors.
Professor Paul Worley was appointed to the position on Saturday to act as a conduit between the states and federal government with a focus on training and improved pay.
"It gives a champion for rural health issues," Assistant Minister for Health David Gillespie told the ABC on Saturday.
"There is a flood of health professionals in metropolitan Australia, we need a better share of those professionals in regional and rural Australia."
Mr Gillespie said Professor Worley was "an excellent" choice with a record of achievement in working across state lines in advocating for a focus on rural doctors.
The commissioner's role would be involved with and supported by the Health Department and have a statutory standing.
His first task would be to expand a focus in rural health across the country.
"We won't reinvent the wheel, but we need to facilitate more training so there is a pathway for more rural professionals," Mr Gillespie said.
"What we want to do is give recognition for extra work, extra responsibility and extra skills."
Professor Worley studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, was elected President of the Rural Doctors Association of South Australia in 1992 and has since worked at Flinders University.
By appointing the commissioner, the Coalition fulfil a pledge made during the election last year.
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