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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Lucy Bladen

Labor promises money for bulk-billing general practices to set up in ACT

A re-elected Labor government would give money to encourage bulk-billing general practices to open in the ACT as part of a $11 million fund.

The fund would also provide money to existing bulk-billing general practices to expand and for general practices that commit to bulk billing children.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the $11 million fund would be focused on attracting more bulk-billing practices to the territory.

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

"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."

The party has also promised to develop a separate professional and development fund for general practitioners in an attempt to attract trainee doctors to the territory.

Money from this $4 million fund would also be used to support the wellbeing of the GP workforce and to fund research, education and professional development initiatives.

Labor has also committed to working with doctors and professional bodies to co-design recruitment and retention initiatives to support the GP workforce.

Canberra Health Services would also support general practice placements for junior doctors considering a future as a GP.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. Picture by Karleen Minney

The ACT has one of the lowest rates of bulk-billing in Australia. An analysis from healthcare comparison site Cleanbill, released earlier this year, found only 3.8 per cent of clinics in Canberra bulk-bill all patients.

Just over half of all GP appointments in the territory are bulk-billed, compared to the national average of more than 75 per cent.

The ACT also has one of the lowest numbers of general practitioners, at 93 doctors per 100,000 people, this is compared to 117 across other major cities.

Labor has also promised to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists to enable them to treat and prescribe medications for more conditions. The territory is undertaking a trial of pharmacists prescribed the contraceptive pill and treating urinary tract infections.

"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," Ms Stephen-Smith said.

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

The ACT Greens have previously promised to establish four government-run general practitioner clinics.

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