The Government of Australia has allocated a further A$29.1m ($19.11m) for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), an organisation that provides air medical services in the country. 

This funding boost is set to enhance the capabilities of RFDS in delivering critical emergency aeromedical evacuations services to the Australian people, whenever and wherever required. 

It will help the organisation in providing improved primary health clinics, dental care, and mental health services, particularly benefiting rural, regional, and remote First Nations communities. 

The government's commitment also includes A$1m for establishing a permanent healthcare clinic in William Creek, South Australia. 

According to the government, this clinic, which will serve as a dedicated health hub for the local community, will be equipped for RFDS fly-in teams and allow them to deliver patient care and conduct video consultations. 

This A$1m support for the William Creek clinic has been sourced through the country’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Programme.  

The new funding will be allocated over the next two financial years, concluding in 30 June 2025. 

RFDS specialises in providing emergency medical care and air transport. It runs nearly 25,000 nurse, GP, and dental clinics annually, along with 20,000 face-to-face mental health consultations. 

The additional A$29.1m in operational funding supplements the Australian Government's existing commitment of up to A$1bn over ten years to the RFDS.  

Australia Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister Kristy McBain said: “The RFDS provides vital services in regional, rural, and remote Australia, which is why the Albanese Government has partnered with them and invested A$1m to get this purpose-built clinic in outback South Australia off the ground. 

“From primary health consultations to an emergency space for critically ill patients awaiting transfer to a major hospital, these enhanced services will provide an added level of comfort to locals, and will play a key role in providing confidence to thousands of tourists that visit the local area each year.”