Premier Rockliff has welcomed the release of the Strengthening Medicare Report but says much more needs to be done to address the national GP health crisis.
Speaking following today’s National Cabinet meeting, the Premier noted the report lays the foundation for reform of the primary health sector.
“However, primary health care is in a national crisis, and we cannot wait any longer for solutions. While the report is a good step forward, we need more work to get meat on the bones,” Premier Rockliff said.
“We need to have tangible actions with timeframes on how the Commonwealth will increase access to primary care, embrace digital health, and fix our nation’s health systems.
“The fact is, Tasmanians are not getting timely, affordable access to a GP and by fixing the GP crisis not only will we see more Tasmanians receive the right care, in the right place – we’ll also take significant pressure off our hospital system.
“Tasmania is always willing to work with our state and territory counterparts and the Commonwealth because we know that when we collaborate, we can deliver real and impactful change for Tasmanians. We’ve shown this with our nation-leading single GP employer model that I announced last week with the Prime Minister.
“I also welcomed the advocacy from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia on expanding the scope of practice for Pharmacy. Our pharmacists have played a pivotal role in the management of COVID-19 and Tasmania supports the expansion having recently announced a Review of pharmacists’ scope of practice in Tasmania. I forward to receiving the Report in mid-2023.
National Cabinet also progressed important reform work in relation to energy relief from rising costs of electricity and the Tasmanian Government looks forward to seeing the outcomes of these conversations.
Finally, all States and Territories signed a Statement of Intent on the proposed referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our constitution and the Voice to consult on areas of responsibility concerning indigenous Australians.