The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has applauded the Australian Greens party's proposal to expand access to general practice care, by increasing patients' Medicare rebates for longer appointments by 20%.
The Greens' policy announced today includes a series of measures to increase access to general practice care, including expanding triple bulk billing incentives to all Medicare card holders, and ensuring equal pay for GP registrars.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said: "The Greens' policy shows a clear understanding of the investment needed to increase access to affordable GP care for all Australians, after decades of underfunding and the Medicare freeze.
"The Government's tripling of bulk billing incentives for pensioners, children and healthcare card holders has allowed GPs to bulk bill more consults. But this is only helping a small section of our population during a cost-of-living crisis.
"Patients who don't qualify for bulk billing incentives are paying more out-of-pocket because Medicare rebates are nowhere near the actual cost of providing care.
"Meaningful investment is needed to improve access to affordable GP care for all Australians, and I applaud the Greens for matching the RACGP's calls for a 20% increase for patient rebates for longer appointments – this will make a huge difference at a time when many are struggling."
Early findings from the RACGP's Heath of a Nation 2024 report show out-of-pocket costs now stand at $36.86 on average for a 20-minute consult, up almost two dollars from $34.91 in 2023.
The RACGP has asked for a 20% increase for all Medicare rebates for Level C (20–40 minutes) and Level D (40-minutes and longer), and additional incentives for more rural and remote areas.
Dr Higgins also welcomed the Greens policy to address the pay gap for GPs in training with a $900m pool of funding.
"Being a GP is one of the most rewarding jobs, and the most interesting and challenging specialities," she said.
"A strong GP workforce is essential for a healthy Australia, but we know too many young doctors are put off from specialising in general practice due to the pay gap when they leave hospital training – which is no surprise when you consider many GPs in training are at the age of having children or raising young families.
"The RACGP has been calling for Government to encourage more home-grown doctors into general practice, including by closing the pay gap for GPs in training, and funding the entitlements GP registrars lose when they enter private practice – paid parental and study leave.
"There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history. Studies have shown patients who see the same GP are healthier and live longer.
"The RACGP looks forward to continuing to work with the Greens and all other political parties to expand access to affordable GP care for all Australians today, and in the future."
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