Taking responsibility ...
Better quality primary health care
- For the first time, the Australian Government will be fully responsible for GP and primary health care services including primary mental health care services.
- Better coordinated primary health care, with a focus on local needs, will also reduce pressure on public hospitals and improve the efficiency of the health system overall.
Taking responsibility for GP and primary health care services
The Australian Government will take full funding and policy responsibility for GP and primary health care services, including primary mental health care, from 1 July 2011.
Improved access to after‑hours GP and primary health care services, supported by Medicare Locals
The Australian Government will also invest $126 million over four years to provide a national after‑hours GP medical advice and diagnostic service. Australians seeking medical advice after hours will be able to speak with a registered nurse and a GP over the telephone. If required, hotline clinicians will be able to arrange follow‑up care in the patient's local community.
The after‑hours service will be supported by Medicare Locals. Medicare Locals will play a vital role in coordinating GP and primary health care, hospital and aged care services. The first Medicare Locals will be operational by mid‑2011.
How the GP medical advice and diagnostic service works
