This week's federal budget should include $1 billion over 10 years for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) serves about 340,000 patients a year, providing nurse, GP and dental clinics in the remote corners of Australia, as well as providing telehealth appointments with specialists. It has a fleet of 79 planes that are used to cover 30 million kilometres each year.

The RFDS receives federal funding on four-year contracts, as well as about $80 million in annual public donations, but this week’s budget is set to provide it with almost $1 billion over a decade.

“A 10-year platform of investment means that we can make much longer-term decisions and achieve much greater efficiency for every dollar that is invested in the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” federal executive director Frank Quinlan says.

“Fuel prices are a very big part of our service. We spend in excess of $30 million a year on fuel to fly those 30 million kilometres.

The new funding represents a small increase on the charity’s existing budget, but Mr Quinlan says it will help lock in longer-term contracts for fuel and other needs. 

“Most importantly it gives us a secure platform for investing in people and equipment we need over that time to deliver healthcare services to people living in some of the most remote parts of the world,” he said.