GPs will help Govt to turn health promises into action

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright has congratulated Anthony Albanese on his re-election as Prime Minister at the Federal Election tonight. 

“In the lead up to this election the RACGP celebrated a record $8.5 billion commitment to Medicare and the GP workforce. We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Labor Government to ensure accessible and affordable general practice care for all Australia.  

“The Government's commitment included significant funding to improve and increase training of specialist GPs, from expanding training numbers, to improving the wages and parental and study leave entitlements of GP trainees.

“It also included a well overdue boost to Medicare, which will be instrumental in helping Australians through the current cost-of-living crisis. 

“We are now looking forward to helping the Government to implement that investment in the smartest way possible.

“Specialist GPs see more than 22 million Australians every year and are perfectly positioned to provide expert advice on the healthcare Australians need to manage complex chronic conditions, keeping them healthy and out of hospitals. 

“Our goal is to make sure all patients can see a GP near them, who they trust and who knows their history. Because there really is no substitute for quality care from a GP who knows you.

“The RACGP will continue to advocate for reforms such as increased patient Medicare rebates to support long and complex consultations, which would be the best way to ensure high-quality specialist GP care is accessible and affordable for all Australians.

“We will also keep advocating for increased rebates for mental health consults, improving access to essential medicines, funding practices to grow their teams with allied health professionals, nurses, nurse practitioners and pharmacists, and combatting racism in healthcare.

~ENDS