A new bipartisan parliamentary group aimed at improving general practice and the nation’s primary healthcare networks has been launched in Federal Parliament this week.

The Parliamentary Friends of General Practice has been launched at Parliament House in Canberra by co-chairs Dr Gordon Reid MP, Dr Sophie Scamps MP, and Senator Susan McDonald.

Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP said that general practice is an integral component of Australia’s healthcare system.

“As a doctor working in the emergency department, I have seen firsthand, why general practice is vital for our community, it is essential to ensure high quality, patient-centred care”. Dr Reid said.

“Without general practice, the Australian healthcare system would collapse. This is the reason why we have united in support, to achieve outcomes which will benefit the health of the community”. Said Dr Reid.

“I look forward to working alongside my parliamentary colleagues and co-chairs from across the aisle, Senator Susan McDonald, and Dr Sophie Scamps MP, on achieving progress in strengthening general practice for all Australians”. Dr Reid said.

“No one should have to schedule to be sick in a country like Australia, our healthcare system is one of the best in the world. However, more and more people are finding it difficult to access a general practitioner, especially on the Central Coast”. Dr Reid said.

“My passion is health and the constituents of Robertson elected me on a platform to improve healthcare access, I will work to achieve important improvements in this area alongside my colleagues in Federal Parliament”. Dr Reid said.

ENDS