Dr Palmyra De Banks :
Yes, I have a deep understanding of the costs and complexities involved in running a practice. Before emigrating to Australia, I was a owner and partner in a GP practice and set up my own clinic in the UK, where I learned firsthand about the financial, staffing, and operational challenges. Today, I directly oversee 19 clinics in Victoria and 80 clinics nationally, providing me with a broad and current perspective on the financial realities facing general practices. This experience allows me to appreciate the delicate balance required to maintain high standards of care while ensuring financial sustainability.

Dr Alan Bradley:
I do. Fortunately, even if I did not, the majority of the RACGP board are practice owners. Rest assured: the costs of running a practice will be well understood at RACGP Board meetings regardless of which candidate AGPA members vote for.

Dr Michael Clements :
I opened my first practice in 2015 in Townsville and I am now about to open my 5^th in Charters Towers. I have been almost ruined by flood, struggled my way through Covid and I am now on the other side with a thriving number of practices and rural/remote outreach clinics, RACF and school clinics.  I have been kept awake at times wondering how to pay the staff and at times have been ready to give it all away but I am now very proud to have over 50 staff and doctors working with me on our vision. Owning practices is a core part of my identity as a meaningful contribution to my community.

Dr Monirul Haque:
As a practice owner myself, I do understand the cost and challenges of running a general practice business.

Dr Michael Wright:
I’m very aware of the costs in setting up and running a practice.  I was a practice owner for nearly a decade with my father in Queensland, before moving to and working in the UK as a contractor and salaried doctor, and then moving back to Australia.  In my role with RACGP as Chair of RACGP’s Reference Expert Committee for Funding and Health System Reform for nearly six years, I’ve collaborated with many practice owners and championed our Business Sustainability Focus, led the development of  the private billing toolkit, billing calculators and tools for GPs in setting up a private practice.  With additional education and training in health economics, I’m keenly aware of the economics of general practice and the need to create incentives for GPs and practice owners. I’ve also led the Health of the Nation survey to prioritise financial viability as a core focus.