Caution needed to avoid cost blow outs and a fragmented primary care network under review recommendations

Primary Care Business Council

Media Release

7 November 2024

The Primary Care Business Council (PCBC) has warned a cautious approach is needed in responding to the recommendations of the Scope of Practice report which could put Australia’s primary care network at risk of becoming more costly and fragmented.

PCBC Chair Dr Ged Foley said there could be serious consequences to implementing the Scope of Practice report recommendations in full.

“GPs will rightly be concerned that the findings of this report put into practice will lead us down a path to a fragmented primary care system that will be costlier for all,” Dr Foley said.

“The Federal Government must take care in implementing recommendations of this report so we don’t end up with similar issues as those faced in the USA, where access to secondary care is unregulated leading to higher costs and poorer healthcare outcomes.

“Under some of the recommendations of this report Medicare costs could blow out at time when we can least afford it.

“We have long needed greater investment in primary care, but despite the funding neglect it is still the most cost-effective part of Australia’s healthcare system, and we have to keep it that way.

“By implementing these recommendations without careful consideration of their full impacts we would be taking a backward step and ultimately leaving Australians worse off.”

The PCBC looks forward to working constructively with the Government on this important reform to ensure we have a sustainable and thriving primary care system that puts patients at the centre of care.

Media Inquiries: Jack Douglas 0450 115 005

About the PCBC

The Primary Care Business Council represents 5,000 GPs across Australia, operating approximately 800 general practices in inner city and metropolitan areas as well as rural and remote locations.  Our members facilitate 24 million patient visits each year and are committed to ensuring General Practice is an attractive profession that delivers timely access to primary healthcare for all Australians, now and into the future.