02 August 2019


At GP19, let’s talk about voluntary assisted dying

With 84 days until GP19 kicks off in Adelaide, the RACGP is thrilled to announce an exciting new plenary session has been added to the program.

GP19 will feature a facilitated panel discussion – Voluntary Assisted Dying and the role of the GP – featuring Justice Betty King QC, former AHPRA Chair Michael Gorton AM, Professor Liz Reymond, Dr Sally Cockburn, bioethicist Courtney Hempton and others.

With Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation recently coming into effect in Victoria, and similar legislation under consideration in Queensland and Western Australia, this interactive session will explore:

  • the central role of GPs and palliative care clinicians
  • legal safeguards to protect health professionals and patients
  • what we can learn from the overseas experience.

Why is there a new session?

The Voluntary Assisted Dying and the role of the GP panel session will replace the previously scheduled keynote address by Dr Geoff Toogood of #crazysocks4docs. Dr Toogood recently made the decision to withdraw from speaking engagements to focus on his mental health and family.

His decision came in the wake of a social media campaign suggesting the GP19 keynote speaker line up was not appropriately diverse.

The RACGP has heard the feedback and committed to do more to reflect the expectations of diversity from our members at GP19. This panel announcement is a first step.

Visit the GP19 website to find out more about the program.

Early bird discount update

With a few updates to the program still to come, we’ve taken a decision to scrap the early bird discount deadline so you can continue to access the $100 discount on GP19 registration right up until GP19.

Visit the GP19 website to register.


One week left to submit a 2019 Convocation item

RACGP members have until 12.00 noon Friday 9 August (AEST) to submit items for 2019 Convocation in shareGP.

Convocation is an opportunity for all RACGP members to raise matters of importance with other members and the RACGP Board.

Log in to the Convocation space in shareGP to submit an idea in writing or by video.


Expressions of interest to join the RACGP Rural Education Committee

RACGP Rural is seeking expressions of interest from its members with an interest in education to join the RACGP Rural Education Committee (REC). As a sub-committee of RACGP Rural Board, the REC provides direction to RACGP Rural regarding educational and vocational training issues relating to rural general practice and Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP).

The term of an elected REC member is three years, with a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms allowed. There is one member position available.

Submit an expression of interest with a CV and email the RACGP Rural Education Committee Chair via rural@racgp.org.au by 5.00 pm Friday 16 August 2019 (AEST).


The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is now accepting submissions.

The Disability Royal Commission wants to hear from all Australians about their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability. Support services and accessibility assistance have also been made available.

Visit the Royal Commission website for further information, and to provide a submission.


Submission to the Department of Health – Changes to MBS items for thoracic medicine

The RACGP has provided a submission to the Department of Health (DoH) on changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for thoracic medicine (respiratory function tests and sleep studies) that were introduced in November 2018.

The RACGP submission covers topics including:

  • the use of spirometry items by GPs
  • the limitations of assessment tools for diagnostic sleep studies
  • communication of the changes by the DoH.

The submission recommends that the DoH implement measures to address issues raised by members, and provide clearer communications around any future changes to the MBS.


Media enquiries

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

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor