As I reflect on the last month, I would like to extend my sympathy and support to all RACGP members impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in New South Wales.
Information is available for those directly affected, and I encourage you to keep reaching out to the RACGP for support as you care for your communities during this challenging time.
On 6 March we enjoyed a wonderful celebration in our North Sydney office to mark International Women’s Day 2025. I would like to thank Dr Amanda Cohn, MLC for delivering an incredible and inspiring speech.
March also saw a number of significant federal government election announcements impacting our profession. After many months of advocacy, I am pleased to see the government’s commitment to fully fund more GP training places. The announced bulk billing iIncentive was not what the RACGP advocated for, and we will continue to ask the government to improve rebates for complex care and mental health, as so much of our work as GPs is in this chronic and complex space. There is still much more to be done to ensure the viability of our profession, now and into the future, but I am feeling optimistic that these announcements are the first of more to come.
Locally, I had a successful meeting with ACT Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith at the end of February, and with NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park, and NSW Shadow Minister for Health, Kellie Sloane in March. In the ACT, I discussed the new ACT Government’s commitments to healthcare, and in both the State and the Territory, I highlighted the opportunity to expand GP scope of practice to allow management of ADHD and isotretinoin. Feedback from all meetings has been positive, and I am looking forward to progress in this space.
Next week, I am heading out to visit a number of practices in New England and I am looking forward to connecting with members in the region.
Until next time, take care.
Dr Rebekah Hoffman
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair