The Hon Mark Butler MP 
Minister for Health and Aged Care

The Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Member for Eden-Monaro

The Albanese Government is delivering on a key election commitment to strengthen General Practices across the country, including local practices in Eden-Monaro.

The Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program will allow all General Practices and eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to expand patient access and improve their services.

After a decade of cuts and neglect from the former government, the Albanese Labor Government is committed to strengthening Medicare and boosting general practice.

The GP Grants will support all general practices and eligible ACCHOs across Australia to make investments in innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works in one or more of the three investment streams below:

1. Enhance digital health capability
2. Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements
3. Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for General Practices (5th edition).

Grants will be provided to local practices depending on accredited General Practice size. Smaller practices are eligible for grants of $25,000 or $35,000, and larger practices are eligible for grants of $50,000. General Practices and ACCHOs not currently accredited against the RACGP standards will be eligible for $25,000.

The Program is being implemented in partnership with Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) – and most eligible practices in Eden-Monaro should have now been contacted directly.

For more information, visit: www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/strengthening-medicare-general-practice-grants-program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“After working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, doctors deserve more than thanks, that’s why we’re giving them the resources to invest in their practices.

"We understand the crucial importance of primary health care provided by GPs. This funding will help improve practices and make sure Australians can access safe, quality and affordable healthcare when and where they need it”.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“Access to quality primary health care is top of the list for so many people in our regions, which is why we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen general practices in Eden-Monaro.

“These grants will support our hard-working health practitioners improve their services and expand their patient access.

“Being able to see a health practitioner you trust and accessing the services you need in your own community cannot be understated – which is why I encourage all eligible local practices to take up this much-needed investment.”