The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is calling on the Queensland Government to fund targeted measures that will strengthen Queensland’s frontline primary care response during natural disasters, ensuring communities receive safe, coordinated healthcare when it is needed most.
Australians are experiencing the impacts of climate driven disasters more frequently and more intensely, with the on-going floods impacting Bundaberg and many other parts of regional and rural Queensland the latest example.
The Climate Council reports that more than 80% of Australians have lived through a disaster in the past five years, and half experienced a mental health issue as a result. Yet GPs, the largest and most widely distributed medical workforce, remain under‑utilised in disaster planning and response.
RACGP Queensland Deputy Chair Dr Aileen Traves said GPs can play a critical role before, during and after disasters, but only if they are properly supported.
“GPs are often the first medical professionals people turn to, and they carry communities through the long recovery that follows a disaster,” Dr Traves said.
“But right now, we are shut out of planning structures, unsupported in evacuation centres, and left to volunteer their time without reimbursement. This must change.”
RACGP’s prebudget proposal includes two key measures:
- Fund the GP Disaster Preparedness Program
- Grants of up to $40,000 for up to 95 high risk Queensland GP practices
- Supports the purchase of essential equipment, supplies and preparedness measures
- Total cost: up to $3.8 million per year
- Ensure specialist GP representation on all Queensland Local Disaster Management Committees
- Embeds frontline primary care expertise in planning, coordination and response
- Cost to support GP time: $108,880 per year
Despite their importance, GPs currently have no formal role in local, state, or national disaster planning. Members report being turned away from evacuation centres or asked to participate informally in environments with poor coordination, unclear direction and no reimbursement for their expertise.
“It is unsafe to rely on volunteerism alone,” Dr Traves said.
“GPs provide specialised clinical care, including chronic disease management, mental health support, wound care and medication management, yet they have no consistent funding or recognised role in evacuation centres or response planning.”
The RACGP’s proposal would ensure communities are supported by prepared, well equipped general practices and integrated GP leadership during disasters, improving health outcomes and reducing system strain on hospitals and emergency services.
“A coordinated primary care response protects lives, protects communities and strengthens recovery,” Dr Traves said.
“Our ask is simple, affordable and effective, and it will ensure GPs are empowered to deliver the essential care Australians rely on when disaster strikes.”
~ENDS
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
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