ACT Election 2024 – AGPA Welcomes ACT Liberals Commitment to General Practice

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Media Release 24 September 2024

AGPA Welcomes ACT Liberals Commitment to General Practice

The Australian General Practice Alliance (AGPA) today welcomed the Canberra Liberals election commitments to increase numbers of GPs in the ACT and their re-commitment to exempt payments made to GPs from payroll tax.

The ACT Liberals today announced policies to pay up to $100,000 of HECS debt for up to 30 new GPs in return for a 5-year commitment to practicing in the ACT, to boost funding for a research chair for General Practice with the ANU Medical School, and to exempt GP payments from payroll tax.

“These are very sensible policies” said Dr John Deery, Chair Australian GP Alliance and Canberra Practice Owner. “We know that one dollar spent in primary health care saves ten dollars of hospital care. These policies have the potential to boost numbers of GPs in Canberra in both the short-term and the longer-term” he said. “Increased numbers of GPs will improve the access to health care for patients. This investment in numbers of GPs will pay dividends for the ACT Government by helping to keep patients out of hospitals. ”

“Exempting GP payments from payroll tax will help to keep costs down for patients. We already have major Practices in the ACT increasing patient charges in anticipation of having to pay this tax, and GPs leaving the ACT for jurisdictions which have taken a more sensible approach. “

Dr Deery said “Two major drivers preventing patients accessing high quality primary healthcare are the numbers of GPs and the cost of patient visit. The GP payroll tax is the imposition of an existing tax which has not been imposed previously. It is less than 12 months old and we already seeing the evidence of its negative impacts on both GP numbers and patient costs”

“The provision of legislative reforms and training to allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD is a much needed reform, increasing the quality of services from General Practice and reducing pressures on other parts of the health care system”.

“We commend the ACT Liberals for their commitment to General Practice “ Dr Deery said.

Ends

 

The Australian GP Alliance (AGPA) represents the interests of GP Practice Owners, addressing issues faced by Principal-led General Practices.

The Australian model of GP owned private general practice has been responsible for our international reputation as an efficient and highly effective primary health care service.

The continuation of high quality primary healthcare in Australia is dependent on the continued viability of the Practices that provide the leadership and infrastructure that allows GPs to practice, and patients to access the healthcare system.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

AGPA Secretariat 02 6290 1505

AGPA Media Release

ACT Liberal Media Release

AGPA Position Statement on Potential Government Funding Cuts for Chronic Disease Management

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The Australian GP Alliance represents doctor-owned general practices across Australia, and we must express our profound concern and frustration regarding the recent announcement of funding changes for chronic disease management item numbers, effective from November 1st, 2024. This decision, coupled with the lack of timely communication and certainty, is not only imprudent but also detrimental to the healthcare system and the patients we serve.

Impact on Patient Care

Chronic disease management is a cornerstone of primary healthcare, providing essential support to patients with long-term conditions. These services are meticulously planned and booked months in advance to ensure continuity of care. The abrupt reduction in funding, without adequate notice or detailed information on the new rebates, jeopardizes the quality of care that our patients rely on. This uncertainty is causing significant distress among general practitioners and their patients, who are left in limbo regarding their ongoing treatment plans.

Economic and Health Consequences

Australia is currently facing an epidemic of chronic illnesses, which are leading causes of poor health, disability, and premature death1. Reducing funding for chronic disease management at a time when the burden of these conditions is escalating is counterproductive. It undermines the efforts of GPs who are at the frontline, managing these complex conditions and preventing hospital admissions. The financial strain on patients, particularly those in rural and remote areas, will likely increase, exacerbating health inequities and placing additional pressure on an already overburdened healthcare system.

Call for Immediate Action

We urgently call on the Federal Government to reconsider this decision and provide immediate clarity on the new funding arrangements. It is imperative that any reforms to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) do not result in a net reduction of funding for chronic disease management. We also request a delay in the implementation of these changes to allow general practices sufficient time to adjust and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

The health and well-being of millions of Australians depend on the stability and adequacy of funding for chronic disease management. We urge the government to engage in meaningful consultation with healthcare providers and stakeholders to ensure that any changes to the MBS support, rather than hinder, the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

MBS Comparison