Dear GPRA Members,
Your voices are crucial as we navigate the challenges and opportunities in general practice, and I’m pleased to update you on some of our recent activities.
College Presidential elections
It’s voting time! For the first time ever, our RACGP College Presidential Candidates have prioritised GP/RG Registrar Base rate parity, paid parental leave, study leave and exam leave is on their agenda. Quality supervision and the ability to de-register accredited practices that do not perform is also on their agenda. The ACRRM Presidential campaign is also in full swing with two fantastic candidates to select from. They too have called for ensuring that important Workforce Incentives Programs (WIPs) are protected to recognise and incentivise our rural workforce. Please make sure you vote in your elections – these are the people that assist GPRA in furthering our advocacy efforts on your behalf. Check out further details in this newsletter of the interesting Q&A sessions GPRA held with both RACGP and ACRRM candidates. We thank all nominees for their time in responding to GPRAs questions.
NTCER Review
Our ongoing collaboration with GPSA to review and update the National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of GP Registrars (NTCER) is progressing. Please read the joint GPRA/GPSA statement we released this week, and stay tuned for an imminent announcement of the NTCER (25/26) update in your inbox!
Engagement with MPs
GPRA has been engaging with Members of Parliament to advocate for the future of general practice in Australia, reinforcing the priorities outlined in our Federal Budget submission, and providing other solid industry reform agendas to our elected representatives.
Review of General Practice Incentives
The Review of General Practice Incentives Expert Advisory Panel has completed its draft report on the effectiveness of programs like the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) and Workforce Incentives Program (WIP). GPRA is preparing a Submission for the Department of Health and Aged Care to help shape the final report, and we encourage you to share your thoughts with our Policy and Advocacy Advisor David Ali by 5 September via email at david.ali@gpra.org.au. Additionally, the Department will be hosting a consultation webinar on 29 August – an excellent opportunity to make your voice heard. I attended the first webinar with over 400 GPs/RGs in attendance providing feedback to the expert panel. We hope that our message was heard.
Upcoming events
As we look ahead, I encourage all members to stay engaged with GPRA’s upcoming (Exam Prep and New Fellows Masterclass) events. Please check our website for more details on some great education and learning opportunities.
Thank you – our GPRA Members – for your continued dedication to general practice. Together, we are making a difference.
Warm regards,
