Despite the vast majority of patient care being provided in the general practice sector, most government expenditure on health continues to be dedicated to the hospital system (Figure 33). The percentage of total government health expenditure on hospitals continues to increase each year, while the percentage spent on primary care has gradually declined (Figure 34).
Australian government expenditure on health as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) is lower than other developed countries with primary care focused systems.46
Total government (state/territory and federal) expenditure on general practice services is around 7.5% of health expenditure.*,47
Expenditure per person on general practice was $391 in 2018–19, a decrease in real terms from $395 per person in 2017–18.30