In Practice: Call for member feedback on NDIS legislation

This week’s In Practice also has details on mental health skills training for rural Victorian GPs, a webinar on early-onset dementia, and how to apply for the Academic Post Program.
 
NDIS legislation submissions
Submissions to the inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 close Friday 17 May.
 
The legislation, which will significantly reform the NDIS if passed, has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, which will conduct an inquiry and produce a report.
 
The RACGP believes its response will carry more weight if members endorse the recommendations in their own individual submissions, and has developed a letter template for members to use. The college submission highlights the central role GPs play in disability care and calls for them to be more involved in the planning process to improve supports for patients.
 
The template contains editable fields to add details and can be downloaded under ‘Provide your own submission’ on the RACGP website.
 
Submissions close on Friday 17 May and should be sent to community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au.
 
Those who wish for their submission to remain confidential or names not published can advise the Committee.
 
Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training scholarships
The RACGP and Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV) are offering 50 scholarships to Victorian GPs in Modified Monash Model (MMM) 3–7 locations to complete Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training (FPS ST).   
 
Each scholarship will provide full funding (valued at $1279) to complete the course with RACGP. The flexible and accredited training package uses technology, peer learning groups and local resources to allow participants to complete all FPS ST requirements online. Level 1 – Mental Health Skills Training (MHST) is a prerequisite for enrolment. 
 
On completion, participants can gain FPS provider registration with Medicare to access FPS-related MBS numbers 2721, 2723, 2725 and 2727. The course also contributes to 26 RACGP-approved CPD hours. More information and to apply is available on the RACGP website. 
 
Dementia presenting in the under 65-year age group
Webinar: Tuesday 21 May, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEST)
CPD: 1 hour EA
 
Dementia is often associated with older age, but there are people living with dementia in the younger age group. Dementia and cognitive impairment in those under 65 often leads to delayed diagnosis, as many other differential diagnoses exist in this age group.

This webinar, presented in partnership with Dementia Training Australia, will discuss the challenges and aspects of assessment relevant to younger onset dementia, and explore the causes and prevalence of this condition as well as importance of early specialist review.
 
Register online.
 
Explore an academic career as part of the general practice training journey 
Applications for the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Academic Post Program 2025 are now open until 15 July.
 
The program allows AGPT registrars to develop research, teaching, project management and critical evaluation skills during a part-time, 12-month training term. 
 
Apply for the Academic Post Program to:  

• build skills in academia and research 
• teach the next generation of medical students  
• explore different career pathways in general practice and enhance job opportunities 
• be part of an academic unit within a university 
• contribute to evidence that improves patient care
• make lasting connections with leading academic institutions, mentors and other GPs in training. 

academic post In Practice legislation mental health skills training NDIS RACGP submission younger onset dementia