As we reach the end of October, there is a flurry of activity indicating that the end of year is coming.
In early October, I had the pleasure of spending time in Canberra, starting with the launch of the RACGP 2025 Health of the Nation report. This report is highly valued by a range of stakeholders and was underscored by Mark Butler, the Federal Health Minister for Health and Aged Care, during his address at the breakfast launch at Parliament House on 8 October. It was wonderful to connect with some of our ACT members who attended the event
Following the launch, the Faculty Chairs spent the next two days meeting with federal MPs, and advocating on behalf of our members for our key advocacy asks ahead of the budget and federal election for:
- Funding a 20% increase to all Medicare rebates for 20-minute-and-longer consults
- Fund the RACGP to provide to improve our Registrar workforce, through providing an additional 500 training places through the Australian General Practice Training Program and funding additional entitlements, including parental and study leave
- Double the Workforce Incentive Program to boost multidisciplinary care in general practice.
It was also great to meet up with more ACT members at our member meet-up event on 9 October, which preceded our October Board Meeting, and the presentation from Dr Leanne Rowe was inspiring for all to take a moment and think and reflect on a life and a career in general practice, and how we can all, as individuals, as collogues and as humans care for each other in times of stress and burnout.
On local matters in the ACT, we saw significant success in our advocacy activities for several items leading into the ACT election held on 19 October. Prior to re-election, Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced that Labor would exempt incomes earned by GPs for bulk billed services from payroll tax liabilities from 1 July 2025. I look forward to continuing work with the ACT Government towards a pragmatic solution for GPs in the Territory.
Landing back in NSW, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with some members at their practices in Dubbo on 18 October and connecting with others at the Rural Faculty member meet-up that evening. Thank you very much to Dubbo Family Doctors, Dubbo Health Hub, and Narromine Shire Family Health Centre for having me.
One of the highlights of our calendar is our Faculty Member Meeting. This was held on 16 October at our North Sydney office, and it was great to see members in person, as well as online. The topic of domestic violence in our communities is one which is often difficult to discuss, however as GPs it is critical that we lead the way, and our speakers did a magnificent job of guiding us in this important part of our role, as well as providing valuable information to support us in doing this. If you were not able to attend the meeting, I would highly recommend that you consider watching the recording of our panel session when it becomes available. The opportunity to recognise our award winners for 2024 is also a particularly joyful part of the event, and it serves as a great reminder of the highly skilled and valued colleagues that we have.
As always, I hope you take some time to ensure your own wellbeing. Until next month.
Dr Rebekah Hoffman
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair