17 September 2024
More support for primary health care 

Labor will always invest in accessible and affordable healthcare - so every Canberran can access the right care, in the right place and at the right time. 

A re-elected Labor Government will establish an $11 million fund to encourage more General Practice bulk billing, so more Canberrans can access vital primary health care.  

We will provide financial support for new bulk billing general practices to open in the ACT and for existing bulk billing practices to expand. 

This fund will also assist general practices that commit to bulk-billing children with the costs of running a practice – supporting Canberra families with the cost of living while ensuring all children can access healthcare when they need it. 

We’ve heard from GPs that they would welcome support for hiring multidisciplinary staff, expanding their services and engaging in integrated care arrangements.

A re-elected Labor Government will also work with doctors and professional bodies to co‑design recruitment and retention initiatives that will support the GP workforce. 

We will establish a $4 million Professional Development and Wellbeing Fund for GPs.

This program will help to attract GP Registrars in the ACT, support the wellbeing of the GP workforce and create opportunities for GPs to participate in research, education and professional development. 

In addition, Canberra Health Services will support general practice placements for junior doctors who are considering future specialty pathways to encourage them to consider further training in general practice in the ACT.

These measures will ease pressure on GPs and give them more capacity to focus on what they do best – providing person centred, quality healthcare to Canberrans. 

Labor is committed to ensuring every Canberran can access more healthcare, closer to home. 

Community pharmacists play a key role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community. They are a trusted and valued part of our overall health system. 

We will expand the scope of practice for community pharmacists so they can provide more evidence-based care and services. Pharmacies will be able to treat and prescribe medicines for a range of everyday health conditions. 

This will provide Canberrans with easier access to more healthcare options and help reduce pressure on the health system.

ACT Labor will always invest in our healthcare system to provide Canberrans with accessible and appropriate health care.   

It is all part of our progressive, practical and proven plan for Canberra.

Statement ends

Media contact:
Kaarin Dynon    0422 772 215  [email protected]