THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
MEDIA RELEASE
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on a key election commitment to strengthen GP practices, with 39 local practices in Blair sharing in more than $1 million in grant funding.
The Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program will allow General Practices to improve their services and patient access by investing more in innovation, training, equipment and minor capital works.
In particular, the funding will assist clinics to improve their digital health capability, upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements, and achieve or maintain accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for General Practices.
Grants were provided to local practices depending on accredited GP practice size.
Smaller practices were eligible for grants of $25,000 or $35,000, and larger practices were eligible for grants of $50,000. GP practices not currently accredited against the RACGP standards will be eligible for $25,000.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that after a decade of cuts and neglect from the former LNP government, the Albanese Government was committed to strengthening Medicare and boosting general practice.
“We went to the election promising to invest in our local GPs and that’s what we’re delivering now,” he said.
“Strengthening Medicare GP Grants worth around $1.1 million ($1,050,000) in total have been awarded to 39 clinics in our community, helping them upgrade their practices and invest in their staff.”
Mr Neumann said he was proud to be part of a government that recognised the hard work of our doctors.
“After working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, doctors deserve more than thanks, that’s why we’re giving them the resources to invest in their practices.
“We understand the crucial importance of primary health care provided by GPs. This funding will help improve practices and make sure patients can access safe, quality and affordable healthcare when and where they need it.
“Getting access to health care is at the top of the list of concerns when I talk to locals in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.
“I want to congratulate all of the successful grant recipients. This funding will give a much-needed boost to general practices in our community, and it’s great news for doctors and their patients alike,” Mr Neumann said.
The grants for GPs come on top of a range of initiatives the Albanese Government has delivered to strengthen Medicare, and improve access and affordability of healthcare for patients in Blair.
In the May Budget, the Government tripled the bulk billing incentive, the largest increase to the incentive in the 40-year history of Medicare, so more children and their families, and pensioners and concession card holders can see a bulk-billed GP.
In addition, on 28 August, a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened in Ipswich, make it easier for local families to access bulk-billed care close to home, and delivering on another key election commitment.
Finally, from 1 September, the Government has been making a range of common medicines cheaper by allowing consumers to buy two months’ worth of medications for the price of a single prescription, offering much-needed cost of living relief.
