Eighteen general practices across Tasmania will share more than $1.7 million in grants to recruit and train the next generation of rural doctors.
This new funding for capital infrastructure upgrades will boost the training capacity of GP practices, helping attract more doctors to our regional communities as part of our Single Employer Model (SEM) program.
The SEM is a partnership between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments which allows GP Registrars to choose to be employed by the Tasmanian Government during their training at a GP clinic.
Having a single contract and employer throughout their training means GPs can access the same salary and leave entitlements as their peers working in hospitals, including annual leave, parental leave, and sick leave.
The funding will allow practices to expand and upgrade their practices, accommodation and equipment.
Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the majority of the funding has been allocated to practices in rural and regional areas such as Cygnet, Scottsdale, George Town and Bicheno.
"It's important that Tasmanians can access the healthcare they need in the right place, at the right time, no matter where they live," Minister Petrusma said.
"Our SEM program is leading the way in attracting a clinical workforce to rural areas – and this funding will support more practices to take on GP trainees.
"Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we're growing Tasmania's rural primary care workforce, and have made a range of other investments to support GPs, including launching the GP NOW Rapid Response Team and a rural settlement incentive package."
Since the start of the SEM program in July 2023, there have been 22 GP Registrars employed in rural and regional parts of the State.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler:
"The Albanese Government's investment in the Single Employer Model pilot is making it easier for people in rural Tasmania to see a doctor.
"These infrastructure grants will allow more GP registrars to work and train in small communities with the support of a single employer, so people can receive essential primary health care without long delays or lengthy travel."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins:
"Today's funding injection adds to the Albanese Labor Governments investments in health including, five urgent care clinics across Tasmania, increasing the bulk-billing incentive - which Tasmania has been the biggest beneficiary of and cheaper medicines.
"I am pleased that the electorate of Franklin will be benefiting from these infrastructure grants, including in the Huon and on the Eastern Shore."
The successful applicants are:
