4th Aug 2021, 3:50 PM – Senate Committees - Community Affairs References Committee - Reference re: GPs and health services

The majority voted in favour of a motion introduced by Tasmanian Senator Anne Urquhart (Labor), also on behalf of Queensland Senator Nita Green (Labor). This means the motion passed and the matter below will be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee.

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by last sitting day in March 2022:

The provision of general practitioner (GP) and related primary health services to outer metropolitan, rural and regional Australians, with particular reference to:

(a) the current state of outer metropolitan, rural, and regional GPs and related services;

(b) current state and former Government reforms to outer metropolitan, rural and regional GP services and their impact on GPs, including policies such as:

(i) the stronger Rural Health Strategy,

(ii) Distribution Priority Area and the Modified Monash Model (MMM) geographical classification system,

(iii) GP training reforms, and

(iv) Medicare rebate freeze;

(c) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doctor shortages in outer metropolitan, rural and regional Australia; and

(d) any other related matters impacting outer metropolitan, rural, and regional access to quality health services.