Historic health commitments will shape votes this weekend

Ensuring all Australians can access high-quality general practice has been central to this year’s election race, with six initiatives from the Royal Australian College of GP’s (RACGP) comprehensive plan for accessible and affordable care for all Australia being backed by major parties, minor parties and independents alike. 

As the election campaign nears its conclusion GPs are urging all political parties to keep health at the top of the agenda after Australia heads to the polls.  

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “This election the RACGP has celebrated historical commitments on healthcare from both major parties and now comes the important work of collaborating with our next government to ensure their investments have the impact needed to protect every community in Australia. 

“Every year, 22 million Australians see a GP for essential healthcare and there is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history. 

“Specialist GPs see 9 in 10 people in Australia every year, we know what it takes to build a robust, sustainable healthcare system. 

“The commitments made to train more GPs will make it easier for people to get health appointments and the historic boost to Medicare funding is an important step. The RACGP is committed to working with the next Australian government to ensure their investments make it easier and more affordable for people to see a GP.  

“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. 

“No matter the outcome on 3 May, the RACGP is committed to working with the next Australian Government to ensure everyone in Australia can see a GP they trust, who knows their history, when and where they need them.”