The AMA says the federal government's investment of $980 million for general practice in Tuesday's budget is a welcome follow through on its election commitments but warned that with the health system under so much pressure, the May 2023 budget must put health front and centre.
"This is a welcome down payment towards the long term funding increase that is needed in general practice, something the AMA advocated for during the 2022 federal election campaign as part of our Modernise Medicare campaign,," AMA President, Professor Steve Robson said.
"The government has set aside $750 million for its Strengthening Medicare Fund to support the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, which are due by the end of this year.
"We are pleased to see that the government is planning to move quickly to roll out $229.7 million in GP infrastructure grants of up to $50,000 each, which will support general practices to enhance digital capability, invest in infection control and meet accreditation standards."
The AMA also highlighted that the limited number of urgent care centres funded in this budget aren't the solution to the hospital crisis.
The AMA is ready to engage constructively on this policy, but firmly believes this funding would be better directed towards ensuring general practices can stay open after hours, so patients can receive care from their trusted GP as outlined in our plan to improve access to GPs.
