25 May 2018


National Reconciliation Week – Contribute to the reconciliation journey in Australia

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held from 27 May to 3 June each year.

This year, Reconciliation Australia is inviting all Australians to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, and to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation.

This year’s theme, ‘Don’t keep history a mystery’, encourages all Australians to learn about truth-telling in Australian history, as we commemorate the milestones of the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. 

The NRW website has a range of ideas and activities for how you can get involved. You can also visit the NRW events page and, where possible, participate in local events.

Visit the NRW website for further information.
 


RACGP Council election nominations

The RACGP is calling for nominations for the next terms of RACGP President, Censor-in-Chief and Registrar Representative on RACGP Council. 

The terms for the current President, Censor-in-Chief and Registrar Representative conclude on 11 October, at the close of the RACGP annual general meeting (AGM).

Nominations are currently open and close Friday 8 June at 4.00 pm AEST.

Visit the RACGP website for eligibility requirements and to download the nomination form, or email elections@racgp.org.au for further information.


Changes to the Assessment of General Practice Experience on the General Practice Experience Pathway

The nature and requirements of after-hours medical services can vary significantly. In order to articulate this variation, the RACGP advises that:

  • GPs working in predominantly clinic-based after-hours positions will have their experience assessed as 75% comparable to Australian general practice
  • GPs working external to a general practice in after-hours roles will receive a 50% comparability rating
  • some after-hours experience may meet the criteria to be assessed as 100% comparable, if sufficient additional evidence is provided.

The RACGP also wishes to advise that as from 1 December, to be eligible for exams, General Practice Experience (GPE) Pathway candidates must have six months’ FTE comprehensive Australian general practice completed in the past four years, rather than in the last 10. The RACGP also confirms that, as per policy, experience undertaken more than 10 years ago will not be considered for the purposes of the GPE assessment.

Access the Policy Update Notice for more detail on these changes.
 


In Practice poll – Remuneration for reports to insurers

Insurance agencies will occasionally request a medical report regarding one of your patients. The requested medical report may include requests for detail regarding your opinion about the patient’s diagnosis, capacity and other issues.

The RACGP is aware that:

  • some insurers will seek, or accept, a patient record in lieu of a completed report
  • some GPs, in the absence of appropriate remuneration for their time, provide a patient’s record to an insurer in lieu of a report.

Reports for insurers can be complex, requiring time and expertise to complete. The RACGP wants to hear from members about whether the offered remuneration for completing a report for an insurer motivates (or de-motivates) you to do so.


Media enquiries

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

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor