Peak Medical Body Unimpressed by Queensland Labor’s Plan for 50 State-Owned GP Clinics
Labor has proposed the establishment of 50 state-owned bulk billing clinics in Queensland, but medical groups are emphasizing the need for more doctors in the state.
The announcement of a $365 million (US$245 million) initiative by Queensland Premier Steven Miles to construct 50 new bulk-billing GP clinics has taken the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland by surprise.
Dr. Nick Yim, President of AMA Queensland, expressed concern that the government may not fully grasp the challenges faced by GP clinics.
Under Labor’s plan, 50 new GP clinics will be established across Queensland. These clinics will be offered free rent in exchange for providing bulk-billed services to patients.
Steven Miles declared, “We will fund and build 50 new bulk-billing GP clinics right across Queensland,” during an event at the Robina Medical and Dental Centre over the weekend.
He emphasized, “Too many people are paying out-of-pocket expenses of 40 or more dollars every time they have to see a GP, we are determined to fix that.”
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When asked about any potential conflict with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the state’s initiative in bulk billing, Steven Miles simply stated, “we’re good mates.”
Kim mentioned the federal government’s failure to adequately support bulk billing.
“Medicare rebates and bulk billing are primarily the responsibility of the federal government, making the state government’s commitment to primary care and general practice commendable,” he explained in a statement.
“The issue lies in the lack of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, not infrastructure,” Kim emphasized.
“It is imperative to focus on building and expanding Australia’s GP workforce to address the rising demand for general practice care,” stated RACGP President Doctor Nicole Higgins.
