EMMA MCBRIDE MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DOBELL
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CARERS

PUBLIC HEARING INTO GP SHORTAGE ON THE COAST

After years of battling a critical shortage of GPs, Coasties will finally be able to tell their story when a public hearing into the crisis gets underway this morning.

The hearing is being held as part of a Senate Inquiry into the GP crisis, which Labor successfully called for earlier this year.

Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride said she’s been pushing for a public hearing on the Coast for some time.

“Our community has been struggling with the GP crisis for years,” she said.

“I keep hearing from Coasties who say they’re waiting weeks for routine appointments, practices who have been forced to close their books and GPs who are overworked.

“That’s why I’ve been calling for a hearing to be held in our community, so the Senate Inquiry can listen to locals and better understand how the GP shortage has impacted the Coast.”

The Senate Committee will hear evidence from several locals at today’s hearing, including a number of GPs who made their own submissions to the Inquiry.

“Local practices are telling us they don’t have enough doctors to keep up with demand, mostly because they’re not considered a priority area under this Government,” Ms. McBride said.

“I hope the Inquiry will listen to Coasties throughout today’s hearing and help fix this crisis because our community deserves quality healthcare close to home.”

TUESDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2021