Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University tonight welcomed the Australian Government’s Budget announcement to establish a medical school network across the Murray Darling Basin.

Both Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University are proud to partner as part of the Australian Government’s network to establish a Joint Medical Program (JMP), with 30 medical Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) to be allocated to Charles Sturt University.

Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University, Professor Andrew Vann said, “This partnership will deliver a dedicated JMP that will extend the footprint of the existing Western Sydney University medical program to regional and rural Australia".

Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University said, “For more than a decade, Western Sydney University's School of Medicine has lead the delivery of the very best health and medical research outcomes for its region.

“It makes sense to partner with Charles Sturt University, an institution looking to pursue the same objectives in rural areas. We are particularly pleased at the opportunity this partnership presents to continue the vitally important commitment both universities have to improving health outcomes for First Australians,” Professor Glover said.

“This is a critical investment in the future of Australia’s medical workforce. This is an important step in addressing the shortage of doctors in our rural and regional communities,” Professor Vann said.

The Joint Medical Program will also able CSU and WSU to significantly expand our capacity to address generational challenges in chronic disease, ageing, children’s health and mental health in rural and regional areas,” Professor Glover said.

“Most importantly it will allow students in rural and regional Australia to train in the bush and develop the skills, knowledge and networks that will allow them to take up rural medical practice,” Professor Vann concluded.

Both Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University will be working to finalise the proposal to the Australian Government and to agreeing to build the necessary facilities to support the operation of the Joint Medical Program.