Specialist general practitioners from the Australian Capital Territory will bring general practice to the heart of government, engaging directly with ACT Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGP) 'GPs for MPs' event.
The event will provide MLAs with complimentary health checks from specialist GPs, while giving RACGP representatives an opportunity to discuss the vital role of general practice and how healthcare can be strengthened across the ACT.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said GPs were looking forward to discussing practical, patient-focused reforms with MPs.
"MPs have demanding roles and, like everyone, need to prioritise their own health," she said.
"'GPs for MPs' provides a timely reminder that regular check-ups and preventive care are essential for everyone – including our elected representatives – while creating an opportunity to discuss the changes needed to strengthen healthcare for communities across the ACT."
The RACGP is calling on the ACT Government to:
- protect the community through greater access to vaccination, including funding intranasal influenza vaccines for Territorians aged two to 17 years, continuing RSV vaccination for people aged over 65 through general practice, and funding a territory-wide Meningococcal B vaccination program for babies and adolescents
- reduce pressure on ACT hospitals by improving access to after-hours general practice, including through After-Hours GP Expansion Grants to support practices to open in the evenings, on weekends and public holidays, and funding GP-based urgent care sessions with same-day and next-day capacity reserved for after-hours demand
- attract and retain the ACT GP workforce by providing an exam fee subsidy of up to $2,000 per registrar based in the ACT
- reduce hospital outpatient demand by investing in GPs with Special Interests (GPwSIs) and GP Liaison Officers (GPLOs), including funding five GPwSI positions across Canberra's public and private hospitals and three GPLO roles linked to Canberra's public and private hospitals, alongside support for integration, pathway development and evaluation.
"GPs see firsthand the difference that timely, accessible care can make to people's health and wellbeing, and we know there are practical steps that can make it easier for Canberrans to get the care they need," Dr Hoffman said.
"From keeping people protected through vaccination, to expanding after-hours care and strengthening the connection between general practice and hospitals, these investments can improve patient care while easing pressure across the broader health system.
"GPs are the cornerstone of Australia's healthcare system. We look forward to working with MPs to strengthen general practice and ensure Canberrans can continue to access high-quality primary healthcare close to home."
