The Primary Care Business Council (PCBC) has welcomed the Queensland Opposition's commitment to exempt GPs from payroll tax in a win for patients and doctors across the state. PCBC President Dr Ged Foley said the pledge by the Opposition would give GPs and clinic operators the certainty they need.
"As the representative body for more than 40% of general practice consultations across Australia, the Primary Care Business Council has advocated for a sensible approach to payroll tax nationwide, and we commend the Queensland Opposition for leading the way with a policy that supports a strong primary care network," Dr Foley said.
"This commitment gives Queensland doctors the certainty they need to continue delivering the highest standards of affordable care that patients can rely on.
"We call on the Queensland Government to do the right thing for primary care and exempt GPs from this tax.
"The pledge by the Opposition will ensure a visit to the GP remains affordable, taking the pressure off emergency departments and making the primary care of everyone in Queensland a priority. It's a no-brainer and the Queensland Government needs to follow suit.
"GP payroll tax is a devastating financial burden that will force clinic operators to either close their doors or increase fees. This would further impact patients already dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, which is why legislating a payroll tax exemption for GPs would greatly benefit the entire Queensland community."
