Budget 2012: what GP leaders say

Dr Paul Mara, President, RDAA: “I’m not disappointed with this budget because, sadly, I wasn’t expecting much for rural health in the first place. The level to which the bureaucrats have listened to rural GPs is very poor and the government is really struggling to work out what its workforce strategy should be. More rural doctors will be leaving the bush for good.”

Professor Claire Jackson, President, RACGP: “Last year general practice was mauled with the mental health cuts, this year the immunisation PIP has been cut, the cervical screening and diabetes PIP targets have been raised and the e-health PIP has been tied to the PCEHR. There are a lot of sticks and very few carrots... That’s very worrying.”

Dr Steve Hambleton, President, AMA: “GPs are being asked to handle most of the cuts in the health sector. There are some things in the budget we like, including investment in aged care, cancer screening and dental health. But If you want to get [e-health and the PCEHR ] off the ground, threatening GPs with the loss of their e-health PIP is not the way to do it.”

Dr Emil Djakic: “This budget has a lack of significant policy support for Medicare Locals, and we actually see a funding contraction around general practice with changes to incentives related to diabetes, cervical screening and immunisation. We appreciate the fiscal environment... but they’ve removed funds from the business case for general practice.”