Summary
Date: May 2020
The RACGP’s response advocates for greater support and inclusion of GPs in disaster planning, mitigation, response and recovery. This includes formal general practice representation on national and state/territory based planning groups and committees and greater coordination and inclusion of GPs involved in frontline responses. GPs are essential in supporting individuals and communities before, during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies.
The below submission response focuses on the role of GPs and the primary healthcare system in relation to the 2019-20 bushfires and in disaster planning, response and recovery more broadly.