Today, the NSW Labor Government has blamed the Albanese Labor Government’s crisis in primary healthcare for the worsening pressures facing state hospitals.
In doing so, they have exposed the serious impact on patients of Labor’s escalating health failures.
The data shows that primary healthcare has only been weakened under the Albanese Government, with Australian patients now covering 45% more of the cost to see a GP, in comparison to the former Coalition Government.
This is because bulk billing has plummeted by 11% since the Albanese Government came to power, as out-of-pocket costs have skyrocketed to the highest level on record.
Underpinning the rising unaffordability of primary care is a serious GP workforce shortage, which has been left unaddressed by this government.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said that the constant blame shifting by Labor fails to achieve better outcomes for patients.
“Clearly, both the NSW and Federal Labor Governments are unable to take accountability,” Senator Ruston said.
“The Albanese Government’s inaction on workforce shortages and their cost-of living crisis are having serious consequences for Australians’ access to essential healthcare.
“It has literally never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor.
“At the same time, NSW Labor are only making the situation worse by failing to adequately manage their hospitals and with their iron-fisted approach to private health. Their shakedown of PHI is forcing premiums up, which runs the risk of Australians dropping their private health cover and putting even more pressure on the public health system.
"As mentioned by the AMA NSW in their release, the constant blame game helps no one. Labor needs to stop squabbling with itself and work to finalise the new National Health Reform Agreement as a matter of priority. Despite only having 6 months left, there has been little public announcement on if and when a new agreement will be signed.
“Australia also needs a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy to address the GP workforce shortage, as the Coalition has been calling on the Government to deliver for more than two years.”
According to the RACGP, Australia’s GP shortfall is expected to approach 11,000 by 2031 as fewer medical graduates choose general practice as a specialty.
That is why an elected Coalition Government will invest $400m over four years to incentivise more junior doctors to enter General Practice – providing junior doctors with direct financial incentive payments, assistance with leave entitlements and support for pre-vocational training.
This will ensure junior doctors are not financially disincentivised to pursue training as a GP in the community.
The Coalition understands that a strong pipeline of home-trained GP graduates is critical to delivering essential healthcare to all Australians and addressing Labor’s primary care crisis.