‘Never been a more important time to get involved’

Skin checks for surfers, dad’s mental health and physical health checks are just some of the day-to-day care Dr Chris Timms loves providing as a GP in the Sutherland Shire, a southern region of Sydney.
 
As well as treating individual cases, he is just as passionate about improving the system as a whole – which is why he has recently signed up to the RACGP’s GP Advocate Network.
 
‘I see firsthand the challenges facing both our profession and our patients, so I decided to join the GP Advocate Network because I believe we need strong voices representing general practice at all levels of government,’ Dr Timms told newsGP.
 
‘My daily interactions with patients have shown me that systemic changes are needed, and by becoming an advocate, I can help drive meaningful improvements not just for my local community in Cook, but for general practice across Australia.’
 
Since the launch of the RACGP’s inaugural Advocacy Plan earlier this year, the college has been training a national network of GPs to support its advocacy priorities.
 
By joining the GP Advocate Network, each individual doctor can offer a voice on local community health issues within their own electorate, with 48 trained GP advocates now working across Australia.
 
Dr Timms signed up as an advocate for the Federal electorate of Cook in New South Wales after seeing the value and importance of governments and decision makers hearing directly from GPs.

‘GPs provide over 160 million consultations annually, giving us unparalleled insight into community health needs and system challenges – our perspective from the coal face of primary care is invaluable for effective policymaking,’ Dr Timms said.
 
‘We understand both the day-to-day realities of healthcare delivery and the broader systemic issues affecting our communities.
 
‘Decision-makers need this practical insight to develop policies that will actually work in the real world.’
 
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins says the college works with members to steer these priorities and build working relationships with governments to help shape reform and secure a strong future for general practice.
 
Fresh off the back of its recently released annual Health of the Nation report findings, the college is leveraging its key advocacy asks, of which Dr Timms says are ‘critical areas requiring urgent attention’.

‘Firstly, we need a 20% increase to Medicare rebates for consultations 20 minutes and longer,’ he said.
 
‘This reflects the growing complexity of patient care and ensures GPs can spend quality time with patients without financial pressure.
 
‘Another crucial area is doubling the Workforce Incentive Program to enhance multidisciplinary care in general practice.
 
‘At a more specific level, we need practical reforms like dedicated item numbers for procedures such as iron infusions. Where I work at Kirrawee Family Medical Practice, we currently provide iron infusions but charge privately as the rebate doesn’t cover basic costs.’
 
As a new father, Dr Timms says he is also particularly passionate about improving support for the general practice registrar workforce by funding 500 additional training places through the Australian General Practice Training Program, along with essential entitlements like parental and study leave.

With the Advocate Network providing a platform for GPs to advocate for their profession, Dr Timms said this is not only empowering for GPs, but essential for informed healthcare policy.
 
‘As GPs, we are our patients’ champions and advocates, with direct experience of what works and what doesn’t at the coal face,’ he said.
 
‘I like to think of advocacy as similar to an exercise routine – consistent, regular advocacy efforts over time give much better results than trying to run a marathon with no preparation.
 
‘When GPs are practiced at advocacy, they’re well prepared for those crucial moments, like running into their MP at the gym or while working the canteen at their kid’s soccer game.
 
‘These informal interactions can be powerful opportunities to influence change, but only if we’re comfortable and practiced in articulating our profession’s needs.’

Dr Timms ‘absolutely’ encourages other GPs to consider signing up for the Advocate Network.

‘There’s never been a more important time to get involved,’ he said.
 
‘The challenges facing general practice require a strong, unified voice. Every GP who joins the Advocate Network strengthens our ability to influence positive change.
 
‘Whether you’re a newly qualified GP or have decades of experience, your perspective and voice matter in shaping the future of primary care in Australia.’
 
The RACGP’s Advocacy Plan is available on the college website. More information on how to join the GP Advocate Network is available on the RACGP website, and interested members can also email gpadvocate@racgp.org.au.
 
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