Issues of Concern

What should Australia do to cater for these concerns?

Activity: For each Specific Needs answer the following questions:

1. Why is it important for rural and remote families?

2. Examples of how it is met.

Safety and Security

Work and housing

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) individuals are disproportionally represented and are subject to overcrowded living spaces that aren't always equipped with appropriate and adequate housing amenities. Some face poverty due to their limited knowledge, skills, and unemployment.

The unpredictable nature of work, thus risks the financial stability of the family - further impacting upon the economic and emotional wellbeing.

Health

Families and individuals living in rural and remote areas have higher risks of lower life expectancy, disease, and injury.

• 20% of individuals reported not having a local GP.

• 17% reported having been in an emergency department, due to limited GP practices.

• Suicide (twice the number of deaths in remote Australia).

• 1.4 times higher and susceptible to disease compared with individuals in major cities.

• Nurses are the main provider of health services in small communities.

Education

People in rural and remote areas are underrepresented in higher education. 

• Less than 40% of Year 12 students completed schooling in very remote areas.

• Limited access to education can impact an individuals employability, financial capability, and social wellbeing

Sense of Identity

Rural and remote communities experience increased community interconnectedness and social cohesion. There is an increase in the prevalence of community participation. Those who work on the farms experience greater sense of purpose as they are contributing to the community. ATSI population is considerable, and the culture and traditions enhance their cultural wellbeing, sense of identity, and belonging.

Employment

Work in rural and remote communities can be seasonal, part time and irregular. Job pursuit and opportunities are dependent on level of knowledge, skill, and education. Education is not entirely regulated in remote communities. 

Rural and remote communities experience climatic variations. During stages of drought, flood, fire crisis, and poor prospering seasons, farmers may experience a stage of instability financially and receive poor income due to this.

Adequate Standard of Living

Infrastructure is of considerable poor standards in contrast to metropolitan areas. Affordable housing issues and challenges are the single biggest potential cost of living pressure. 

The geographical isolation from metropolitan shops, as well as the climate and external elements of rural and remote communities dictate the access to clothes and foods available. ATSI and single parent households are disadvantaged with lower income and experience difficulties accessing affordable and healthy options resulting in higher chronic diseases, poor oral health, and hindered physical wellbeing.

There are increased risks to their physical health and wellbeing, as they are prone to various diseases and illnesses.

In your opinion what are the two most significant needs for Rural and Remote families? Why?

What could be the implications of these needs are not met?

What types of services do people within the group require access to?

Financial Support 

Financial support is needed for those living in rural and remote communities because they often face higher living costs, limited access to essential services, and fewer job opportunities compared to urban areas. These communities may have higher costs for goods, fuel, healthcare, and education due to transportation challenges and lower economies of scale. Additionally, limited infrastructure and internet access can make it harder for residents to access financial resources, employment, and business opportunities. 

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) in Australia provides free financial advice and support to farmers, fishers, and small rural businesses facing financial hardship. The service helps with budgeting, debt management, and access to government assistance programs, ensuring that rural communities remain financially resilient. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is needed for those living in rural and remote communities to ensure safe, stable, and affordable housing. Many rural areas face challenges such as a lack of available housing, high construction costs, and limited access to rental properties. Seasonal work, natural disasters, and economic downturns can also make housing insecurity more common in these regions. 

The Remote Area Housing Strategy (RAHS) in Australia provides funding and support to improve housing availability and conditions in remote communities, particularly for Indigenous Australians. 

Transport

Transport is essential for those living in rural and remote communities because they often need to travel long distances to access essential services such as healthcare, education, employment, and shopping. Public transport options are usually limited or nonexistent, making personal vehicles a necessity. However, the high cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and poor road conditions can make transportation difficult. Without reliable transport, residents may struggle to attend medical appointments, school, or work, leading to social and economic disadvantages. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Australia provides emergency medical transport and healthcare services to people in remote areas. 

Legal Aid

Legal aid is needed for those living in rural and remote communities because they often face barriers to accessing legal services, such as a lack of local lawyers, high travel costs, and limited knowledge of their legal rights. These communities may struggle with issues related to land rights, family law, employment disputes, and domestic violence but have fewer resources to seek legal help. 

The Rural Women’s Legal Service in Australia provides free legal advice and representation to women in rural and remote areas, particularly those facing domestic violence, family law disputes, and financial hardship. 

Employment

Employment is essential for those living in rural and remote communities as it provides financial stability, supports local economies, and helps prevent population decline. Many rural areas have limited job opportunities due to smaller industries, seasonal work, and reliance on agriculture or mining. Without stable employment, residents may struggle with poverty, be forced to relocate, or face mental health challenges linked to financial stress. Encouraging employment in these areas also helps sustain essential services such as healthcare, education, and retail. 

The Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RJSA) in Australia works to create employment opportunities by connecting job seekers with training and careers in rural industries like agriculture, tourism, and healthcare. This service helps address skill shortages and supports economic growth in remote communities. 

Education

Education is essential for those living in rural and remote communities because it provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for employment, economic development, and social well-being. However, access to quality education can be challenging due to fewer schools, limited teaching staff, and long travel distances. Without proper education, residents may face lower job prospects, reduced income opportunities, and difficulty accessing further education or training. Ensuring strong educational opportunities helps sustain these communities and improve their overall quality of life. 

The School of the Air in Australia provides remote education to children in isolated areas through online and radio-based learning. This service ensures that students who cannot attend a traditional school due to distance still receive a high-quality education and support from qualified teachers. 

Counselling

Counselling is essential for those living in rural and remote communities because they often face unique challenges such as social isolation, financial stress, limited healthcare access, and the impacts of natural disasters like droughts and bushfires. Mental health services are often scarce in these areas, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Without proper support, individuals may struggle to cope with personal and emotional difficulties, affecting their overall well-being and community stability. 

The Bush Support Line by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) offers free, 24/7 telephone counselling to people in rural and remote Australia. This service provides mental health support to farmers, rural workers, and their families, ensuring they have access to professional counselling regardless of their location. 

Health Care

Healthcare is essential for those living in rural and remote communities because they often face significant barriers to accessing medical services, such as long travel distances, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and limited hospital facilities. Without proper healthcare, residents may experience poorer health outcomes, higher rates of chronic diseases, and delayed treatment for medical conditions. Ensuring access to healthcare services helps improve overall well-being, reduce preventable illnesses, and support the sustainability of these communities. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) provides emergency medical care, telehealth consultations, and outreach programs to people in remote areas of Australia. This service ensures that individuals who live far from hospitals and clinics can still receive essential healthcare, including urgent medical evacuations and routine check-ups. 

Watch the above videos and answer the following questions:

1. Explain the link between remoteness and poverty (low socioeconomic status)

2. What types of services are provided by these organisations?

3. Explain how these services enable rural and remote families to satisfy their needs and achieve high level of wellbeing?

4. Find a recent Australian based article and summarise its relevance.

CAR:

• • Characteristics of the individual

  • Aspects of the service

  • Resources 

All individuals need to access various resources throughout their lives in order to maintain their wellbeing. At times, groups with specific needs might require additional resources, or might need to access resources more regularly than those who do not have specific needs.

Age

Younger populations in rural and remote communities may face difficulties accessing education, extracurricular activities, and healthcare services due to the lack of local facilities. In some cases, children may have to relocate to urban areas for high school or further education, which can place a strain on families financially and emotionally.

Older adults in rural and remote areas often face challenges accessing healthcare services, including specialized care (e.g., geriatric services) and emergency care, due to long travel distances and limited availability of healthcare professionals. Additionally, the aging population may experience mobility issues, making access to local services even more difficult.

Gender

Women in rural and remote areas may face barriers related to both access to services and societal expectations. For example, they may experience challenges accessing reproductive health services, mental health support, and legal assistance due to geographic isolation. They may also be underrepresented in the workforce or in leadership roles, limiting access to economic resources and services.

Rural men, particularly in farming and mining communities, may face mental health challenges (e.g., depression, anxiety) and may be less likely to seek help due to cultural factors such as stigma around vulnerability. Limited access to mental health services can exacerbate this issue.

Level of education

Rural and remote families often have lower levels of formal education due to fewer schools and educational resources in these areas. As a result, families may struggle with accessing information about available services, such as healthcare, legal aid, or financial assistance programs. Additionally, parents with lower education levels may have difficulty advocating for their children’s educational needs.

There may be fewer opportunities for vocational training or higher education close to rural and remote areas, forcing individuals to travel long distances or relocate to urban centres for further education. This can restrict career opportunities and limit economic mobility.

First language spoken

For families whose first language is not English, accessing services can be even more challenging due to language barriers. Rural and remote areas may have fewer bilingual service providers or translators, making it harder for these families to navigate healthcare, legal, or educational systems effectively.

Indigenous families may face similar language barriers in accessing services, especially if English is not their first language. Many government services are not available in Indigenous languages, which can create gaps in access to healthcare, education, and legal support.

Culture

For Indigenous families living in rural and remote areas, accessing services can be particularly challenging due to cultural differences, geographic isolation, and language barriers. Indigenous families may also experience discrimination or lack of culturally appropriate services in health, education, and legal systems. Programs that provide culturally competent care or Indigenous-specific services can help, but availability is often limited.

Non-Indigenous Rural Families may have a better understanding of mainstream services due to better integration with the wider Australian population.

Socioeconomic status

Rural and remote families tend to have lower incomes compared to urban families, which can severely limit their access to services. High travel costs, limited local job opportunities, and seasonal work can exacerbate financial strain. Limited economic resources can prevent families from accessing private healthcare, educational resources, or legal aid services.

Many rural families rely on government assistance (e.g., for healthcare, subsidies, or education). However, the application and access process can be more difficult due to geographic isolation, lack of internet access, and the need to travel long distances to government offices or service providers.

Type of disability

People with physical disabilities in rural and remote communities often face barriers related to accessibility. There may be fewer physical therapy services, specialised medical practitioners, and accessibility features (e.g., ramps, transport) available locally. Long distances to healthcare facilities and limited public transportation can make accessing care particularly difficult.

Mental health issues are common in rural and remote communities, especially due to isolation, economic stress, and the stigma associated with seeking help. Access to mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, is often limited. In many cases, telehealth services or outreach programs are the primary options, but these may not be accessible to all families.

Families with members who have intellectual disabilities may face significant challenges in accessing specialised educational programs, therapies, or support services in rural areas. These services are often concentrated in larger cities, and the cost of travel can be prohibitive for families.

Location

Services are often far away, leading to long travel times and high costs. Limited availability of services locally, especially specialised ones, can force families to travel to urban centres. 

Opening hours

Services may have limited hours, which can conflict with work or school schedules, and 24/7 services are often unavailable, making urgent care harder to access. 

Confidentiality

Smaller, close-knit communities raise privacy concerns, as individuals may worry about their personal information being shared. A lack of anonymity can deter people from seeking help, particularly for sensitive issues. 

Staffing

Staff shortages and high turnover rates in rural areas mean that services are often understaffed, leading to longer wait times, reduced care quality, and limited access to specialised professionals. 

How available are the services within a rural and remote community? (Choose one in a rural and remote community)

Resources necessary to access services. For Rural and Remote families, a variety of services and support structures are available, however, the personal resources available to these individuals such as time, money, energy and knowledge, will affect their access to these services. 

Time

Rural and remote families spend significant time traveling to access services, which can be difficult to manage, especially for working parents or caregivers. This time commitment can limit their ability to attend appointments, access education, or participate in community programs.

With fewer services locally, families may need to schedule appointments during limited hours or around other commitments, which can be challenging, particularly if services are available only during work or school hours.

Energy

The demands of daily life in rural and remote areas, including managing long travel times, household responsibilities, and work commitments, can leave families with limited energy to engage with services. This physical and mental exhaustion can lead to service neglect or delays in seeking help.

Families may also experience emotional energy depletion due to social isolation, which is common in rural areas where community support networks may be weaker. This can reduce their motivation to access services, particularly those related to mental health or social care.

Money

Traveling to access services often involves high costs for fuel, accommodation, and transportation. For low-income families, these costs can be a significant barrier to seeking essential care, education, or support services.

Rural families often have lower incomes than their urban counterparts, which can make paying for services (e.g., healthcare, childcare, education, legal aid) difficult. Additionally, there may be fewer job opportunities, resulting in a reliance on government assistance that may not cover all necessary services.

Knowledge

Families in rural and remote areas may not always be aware of the services available to them, especially if they are not locally advertised or if information is not easily accessible. Limited internet access or poor communication can hinder awareness of critical services like healthcare, legal aid, or educational resources.

Rural families may also lack knowledge of how to navigate bureaucratic processes, apply for government aid, or access specialised services, making it harder for them to get the help they need. This can be compounded by language barriers or a lack of digital literacy.

What types of services do Rural and Remote families require access to in order to enhance their wellbeing? (6 marks). 

How can the characteristics of the individual impact access to services for Rural and Remote families? (4 marks).