Of those, 10 were selected in Darwin at the National Rural Health Conference as having the strongest chance of providing more accessible, affordable, safe and well-coordinated health care.

On the wish-list were better health and wellbeing for Indigenous people; fast, reliable and affordable digital connections; a Senate Inquiry into food security in rural areas and the successful implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

National Rural Health Alliance CEO Gordon Gregory said the conference helped set the health agenda.

“One of the strengths of the biennial National Rural Health Conference is the generation of recommendations for action to improve policies and programs for rural and remote health,” Mr Gregory said.

“The conference recommendations play an important part in setting the rural and remote health sector’s agenda for years to come.

“Our hope is that they lead to action and policy change through the continued advocacy of the individuals and organisations that support them.”

He said fair access to health services, nutritious and affordable food, the means for economic and social engagement, and putting the right clinicians in the right place were foundations of a health care system taken for granted in capital cities, but sorely missed in the bush.

Visit www.ruralhealth.org.au/13nrhc/recommendations for details.