RACGP welcomes Senate Inquiry into mental health funding cuts

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the move yesterday to hold a Senate Inquiry into the Federal Government’s decision to cut the Medicare patient rebates for GP mental health services in the 2011‐2012 Federal Budget. The Senate Inquiry comes after strong and consistent lobbying on the issue by the RACGP and our colleagues within United General Practice Australia (UGPA).

The Budget reduced funding for GP mental health services by $50.1 million ($306.9 million over 4 years) through reductions in GP Mental Healthcare Plan rebates – including Medicare item 2710 – and the number of allied psychological consultations available to patients from a potential 18 per year, to a potential 10 per year.

Under the proposed changes, many people with mental illness would no longer be able to afford to see their GP – their first point of contact for care and advice – for mental health plans because their Medicare rebates will be up to 50 percent lower than they currently receive.

RACGP President and Chair of United General Practice Australia (UGPA), Professor Claire Jackson, said that the Senate Inquiry is a massive victory for patients.

“Funding for patients’ GP mental health planning should be restored in full and GPs should be given increased support in order to play a fundamental and growing role in mental health support.

“The general practice profession is standing up for millions of Australians and their families who require accessible, high quality mental healthcare and support. The unity that general practice organisations have demonstrated while advocating on this matter for our patients has shown just what we can achieve in bringing our individual knowledge, skills and perspectives together.

“I thank all the patients, GPs, community leaders and interested politicians who have worked with us to raise awareness of the implications of the Budget cuts to some of our most vulnerable Australians,” she said.

About the RACGP

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation and represents urban and rural general practitioners. The RACGP represents over 20,000 members working in or towards a career in general practice and is proud that over 18,000 general practitioners in Australia have chosen to be a member of the College. The RACGP National Rural Faculty has over 6,800 GP members, including 4,400 GPs living and working in regional, rural and remote Australia. There are over 125 million general practice consultations taking place annually in Australia.