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No funding for onsite GP at Parliament House
The RACGP says it is disappointed by revelations funding for the Canberra service was not sought, saying ‘everyone deserves quality care’.
The RACGP says health should be a priority in any workplace, including at Parliament House.
The RACGP is advocating for funding to be made available for an onsite GP at Canberra’s Parliament House, saying it would improve the health and wellbeing of those working inside.
The calls come after a Senate Estimate Committee hearing revealed funding for the initiative was not sought in this year’s Federal Budget, having been knocked back on two previous occasions.
The college said it has been left disappointed by this decision, with Vice President Associate Professor Michael Clements saying research shows the value of having a strong relationship with a GP.
‘Everyone deserves the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history, including politicians and staffers working at Parliament House in Canberra,’ he said.
‘Politicians and their staff work long hours and may not be able to go offsite for medical care, meaning they’ll miss out unless there is a GP onsite.
‘Health and wellbeing should be a priority in any workplace including Parliament House. An onsite GP at parliament would help ensure those making critical decisions for our country can access the care they need to live healthier lives.’
The question was initially raised by Liberal Senator Jane Hume, who asked ‘why can we not get a GP in this building?’.
‘What is the barrier? Is it ideological? Is it logistical? Is it financial?’ she said.
‘What is the barrier to putting a GP onsite in this building, when we know that service would be used by staff, parliamentarians, media and the other workers around the building?’
In response, Parliamentary Services Department Secretary Rob Stefanic said the preferred option was for a telehealth service.
‘On the basis that it provides immediate access to a GP, usually after triage by a nurse,’ he told the Committee.
‘This could be a person’s regular GP, if they offer telehealth and if they have appointments available, otherwise, an alternative service provider will be provided that guarantees access to a GP at short notice.’
The addition of an in-house GP was first raised in 2021 when it was recommended in an independent review of Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces but is yet to be rolled out.
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