“It is with great sadness that we note the death of Dr Harry Nespolon”, Dr John Deery, Chair Australian GP Alliance, said today.

The Australian GP Alliance Board, on behalf of all members extends its deepest condolences to his partner and children, friends and colleagues.

“Harry lead the RACGP and represented the interests of General Practice with energy and commitment, and was particularly inspirational during the last six months where, despite a terminal diagnosis, he provided leadership for both the nation and the profession at a time of crisis”.

 
“General practice is the cornerstone of primary health care in Australia, and Dr Harry Nespolon understood the critical importance for General Practice to be both vibrant and viable to deliver the high quality of primary healthcare that Australians expect”, Dr Deery said.

“He worked hard to maintain funding at a critical time and to try to make sure that the small businesses that are GP Practices are viable business entities. Harry was well aware that unless these small business are viable the platform to deliver high quality primary healthcare will not exist, and the health of Australians will suffer accordingly.

“He also stood against attempts to reduce the quality of primary healthcare by opposing the use of paramedical personnel to diagnose and prescribe, despite determined lobbying from industry organisations representing the paramedical interests”, Dr Deery said.

General Practice has lost a committed leader, and while the profession will continue to deliver the healthcare that Australians need, for this moment we pause in reflection of a life well lived in support of Australia and the profession of General Practice.