20 May 2016


You’ve been targeted campaign: Dr Frank R Jones appeals for member support

The policy shift signaled by Labor lifting the Medicare freeze on general practice from 1 January 2017 makes sense at so many levels: the RACGP has repeatedly underlined the risk of the freeze to quality patient care; of potential worse health outcomes for individuals; increased on costs to our extraordinarily expensive hospital system; and the unintended but inevitable consequences to practice viability.

Undoubtedly the RACGP ‘You’ve been targeted’ message is being heard.

Although encouraged by Labor’s statement of intent, the RACGP focus will be maintained until all our communities and stakeholders understand the risk to patient care, in the most cost-effective part of the health system – general practice. Putting patients’ health and well-being is central to any RACGP advocacy.

And so the campaign will continue as strong as ever and I encourage you all to download the ‘You’ve been targeted’ posters, template letters, social media images and information leaflets from the RACGP website.

Let’s see the poster in every GP’s consulting room and waiting room and talk to every patient you see so that they understand the true impact the freeze will have on them.

Dr Frank R Jones
RACGP President


World Family Doctor Day 2016

GPs around the globe have celebrated World Family Doctor Day 2016, sharing their personal stories of why they chose general practice and what it means to them.

At a time when general practice is firmly in the spotlight, it was encouraging to see so many RACGP members and GPs worldwide uniting in their support for the profession and their patients.

Visit the RACGP Facebook page for an album of member photos with the poster “I chose GP because…” and search the #IchoseGP hashtag on Twitter.


Abuse and violence webinar series

Family violence is a leading contributor to death, disability and illness for women of child-bearing age. Perpetrators of domestic violence are predominantly men and they may present to general practice with relationship problems, mental health issues or substance abuse. GPs play a pivotal role in identification, response and referral to men’s behavioural change services.

To support GPs and general practice teams in developing their knowledge and understanding of family violence, the RACGP is offering two free one-hour webinars about working with men who use violence in their intimate relationships. The webinar is a Quality Improvement and Continuing Professional Development (QI&CPD) Category 2 accredited activity.

The webinars will run on Tuesday 24 May from 7 pm – 8 pm AEST and Thursday 2 June from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm. To register, visit RACGP website for either the Tuesday session or Thursday session.

Further information on learning outcomes and also the speakers, who include Professors Kelsey Hegarty and Cathy Humphreys, is also available on the RACGP website.


RACGP Council election nominations 2016

The current terms for the positions of President, Censor-in-Chief and Registrar Representative on RACGP Council conclude at the close of the RACGP annual general meeting (AGM) on 30 September 2016.

Nominations for these positions are now open and close on Monday 30 May at 5.00 pm AEST.

Nomination forms and eligibility requirements are now available on the RACGP website.

For more information please contact Helen Gaskin, RACGP Executive Assistant, Office of the President and CEO on 03 8699 0321 or email elections@racgp.org.au.


Clinical pearl

Exercise for patients with cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is a complex and common experience, affecting 70-100% of the cancer patient population. For patients living with cancer, exercise during and after cancer treatment reduces fatigue, increases physical fitness and improves health-related quality of life.

Five weekly sessions of both supervised and unsupervised (home) exercises are recommended. Supervision by an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist may be beneficial for people who are new to exercise or who have become deconditioned.

For more details on the types of recommended exercise including training, tips and challenges, please visit the RACGP’s Handbook of Non Drug Interventions (HANDI).


In Practice poll

Extension of Medical Benefits Schedule rebate freeze

On 3 May 2016, as part of its 2016/17 Federal Budget, the Federal Government announced an extension of the freeze on Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) patient rebates for a further two years until 30 June 2020.

Extending this freeze will result in a reduction of $925 million for MBS funding. As a result, there is an even greater likelihood of reduced access for patients and higher out-of-pocket costs while GPs strive to maintain sustainable and viable practices.

Since the suspension of MBS rebate indexation in 2013, the RACGP has advocated for appropriate indexation of MBS rebates, highlighting that indexation should keep pace with the costs associated with providing quality health services.  

The extension of the MBS freeze will have significant implications for the sustainability of general practices, particularly those providing care for difficult-to-reach patient groups. The RACGP is therefore seeking member views on how they are likely to respond to the announced continuation of the freeze.

In addition to the poll below, the RACGP is also seeking your story about how the freeze is impacting your practice and your patients. For more information and to provide feedback, visit the RACGP Consultations page.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor