Originally published by Ella Loneragan of Business News
31.03.2026
A report has estimated the Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations is set to deliver a social dividend of $4.1 billion over the next 30 years.
Commissioned by RFDS Western Australia, Deloitte Access Economics produced an independent report earlier this month to calculate the social value of the state’s largest charity.
The figure comprises calculations from improved health outcomes, including increased productivity, travel cost savings and the value Western Australians place on having the RFDS as an option to use if needed.
RFDS WA provides a range of services including aeromedical retrievals, remote health clinics, remote support services and community outreach and commercial services.
Deloitte’s analysis of the not-for-profit found aeromedical retrievals made up $2 billion of the $4.01 billion social dividend over the next 30 years.
The next largest share of the social value around $1.9 billion was RFDS WA’s “existence value”, which Deloitte explained as Western Australians’ ‘peace of mind’ in having the service available, even if they never use it.
Excluding aeromedical retrievals, RFDS WA’s other services were valued around $200 million over the next 30 years.
Every dollar invested in the charity generates around double that amount in community benefits, according to the report.
With five bases across the state, RFDS WA operates 22 planes with 24/7 crews.
Amid increasing concerns over fuel supply, RFDS WA chief executive Judith Barker said the organisation was in discussions to make sure operations could continue.
“The Royal Flying Doctor is working closely with fuel suppliers and government to support the continued delivery of care to communities across the country,” she said.
“We are closely monitoring the fuel situation and reviewing contingency plans as part of standard operational preparedness.
“As a national healthcare service, RFDS is part of ongoing government discussions to ensure essential services are supported.
“Our teams continue to fly and deliver care where it is needed most.”
As part of a plan to upgrade RFDS WA’s fleet with eight new aircraft by 2030, three new planes are expected to touch down in the state this year.
The first of the PC-12 PRO planes is due to arrive by mid-year, funded by Gina Rinehart through Hancock Iron Ore and the Rinehart Medical Foundation.
