GPs bring preventive health checks and primary care priorities to WA Parliament

Today, Western Australian GPs will bring general practice to the heart of state government, meeting with WA MPs at Parliament House as part of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP)’s annual ‘GPs at WA Parliament’ health check-up. 

RACGP WA Co-Deputy Chair Dr Julia Rawlinson said the Parliament event is an opportunity to remind MPs that GPs are an essential part of a strong and connected health system. 

“GPs are at the frontline of healthcare in communities across Western Australia, and we see every day how important it is for patients to have a GP they know and trust,” she said. 

“Today’s health checks are a timely reminder for WA MPs, just as they are for everyone, that having a regular GP is an important part of staying healthy and accessing preventive care, as well as getting help when something goes wrong. 

“It is also an opportunity to have constructive conversations with MPs about the practical changes that can make a real difference for patients and take pressure off our hospitals.” 

Now in its third year, the event gives MPs the opportunity to receive complimentary health checks from specialist GPs while hearing directly about the role general practice plays in keeping Western Australians healthy. 

Dr Rawlinson and RACGP WA Provost Dr Tim Koh will lead the delegation. 

“Better coordination between hospitals and general practice, fairer access to ADHD care and a stronger GP voice in health policy will help build a health system that is more connected, sustainable and focused on the needs of Western Australians,” Dr Rawlinson said. 

The RACGP is calling on the WA Government to: 

• reduce unplanned hospital admissions by incentivising GP care post-discharge, including a ‘Hospital to GP Transfer of Care’ pilot program and a funding incentive for GPs who see patients within seven days of an unplanned hospital discharge 

• make ADHD treatment fairer for Western Australians, by providing an additional $350,000 in funding to expand the ADHD GP training program and deliver 100 more qualified GPs by June 2027 

• put GPs at the centre of health reform by establishing a Chief GP Advisor within the WA Department of Health to strengthen collaboration with the general practice sector and improve coordination between primary and tertiary healthcare. 

~ENDS

Attachments

MR_RACGP_20260818_GPs bring preventive health checks and primary care priorities to WA Parliament.pdf

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