The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Frank R Jones has congratulated Sussan Ley on her re-appointment as Minister for Health in the new Turnbull Government.
“Ms Ley has been reappointed Minister at a pivotal time for health in Australia. Decisions made over the coming months are going to have wide ranging impacts for years to come,” Dr Jones said.
“The Australian public have made crystal-clear their concern around equanimity and access to their GP services, and the implications of the Medicare freeze on their local general practice.
“Lifting the freeze will give GPs the breathing space to continue to provide quality services but it is only a short term solution. Investing in general practice in the long-term will benefit patient care outcomes and will be cost-efficient to the whole health system.
Before the Election Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was unequivocal in his declaration that no-one would have to pay more for the services of their GP.
“This conversation is for here and now and is urgent: I look forward to meeting with Minister Ley as soon as expediency allows: the RACGP is the voice of general practice and is willing and able to work collaboratively with government to ensure our patients have access to the best Primary health care system that is equitable and fair to all,” Dr Jones said.