As the Federal Election looms, specialist GPs from across Australia are preparing to bring urgent healthcare solutions to Canberra. With the backing of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), a delegation of GPs and patient advocates will meet with political leaders to push for meaningful investment in general practice—ensuring affordable healthcare access for all Australians.
The pressures facing general practice have never been greater. Rising healthcare costs, an ageing population, and increasing rates of chronic illness are pushing the system to its limits. As RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright highlights, more Australians are delaying medical care due to financial barriers, leading to preventable health complications that strain hospital resources.
Dr. Wright underscores the urgency of these discussions, noting that GPs and patient advocates are meeting with policymakers to highlight critical challenges and propose solutions that will improve access to affordable care nationwide.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, ambulance services are stretched, and patients are waiting too long for the care they need. General practice plays a vital role in alleviating these pressures by providing early intervention and ongoing management of chronic diseases, yet underfunding and workforce shortages continue to limit accessibility.
The upcoming Federal Election presents a crucial opportunity for political leaders to commit to policies that support primary healthcare. The RACGP is urging all parties to prioritize investment in Medicare and GP training programs to strengthen the foundation of Australia’s healthcare system.
Dr. Wright stresses that to improve access to general practice for all Australians, greater investment is needed in Medicare alongside efforts to increase the number of trained specialist GPs. He highlights that the continuity of care provided by a GP who understands a patient’s history is invaluable and urges political parties to take decisive action to make such care widely available and affordable.
GPs are at the forefront of Australia’s healthcare system, and their expertise must be central to policy discussions. As patient advocates and frontline providers, GPs have first-hand experience of the challenges communities face—and the solutions needed to address them.
By advocating for stronger Medicare funding, workforce expansion, and increased accessibility, the RACGP delegation is championing the future of general practice in Australia. Their message to policymakers is clear: investment in primary care is an investment in a healthier, more resilient nation.
As the election approaches, GPs have an opportunity to amplify this message within their communities and professional networks. The time for action is now—ensuring that every Australian has access to high-quality, affordable GP care must be a national priority.
HealthcareLink plays a vital role in supporting GPs by connecting them with job opportunities, professional development resources, and networking platforms. By offering tailored career solutions, HealthcareLink helps strengthen the GP workforce and ensures that more healthcare professionals can contribute to improving patient care across Australia.
