RACGP Regional Visit Highlights Strain and Strength of Country General Practice
17 Apr 2026
RACGP leaders visited Ararat, Beaufort and Ballarat this week to meet local GPs, healthcare staff and community organisations. The visit focused on how general practices are performing, the challenges they face, and what support is needed to keep services running in regional areas.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the trip showed the important role general practice plays in regional communities, along with the increasing complexity of patient care.
He said local GPs are managing more complex health needs, but current Medicare rebates do not always reflect the time required, especially for longer consultations. Many practices also raised concerns about rising costs, including fuel, supplies and overall running expenses, which are making it harder to stay financially viable.
The tour also showed differences in how practices are responding to recent funding changes, with some rural clinics more likely to use bulk-billing incentives. However, many services remain cautious due to rising costs and financial pressure.
Dr Wright also highlighted strong teamwork between local GPs and health services, including after-hours urgent care support and partnerships with Aboriginal health services in Ballarat.
On a personal note, he also visited Beaufort, where his father once worked as a GP, and Ararat, where his mother grew up, reflecting on the long history of general practice in these communities.
RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said regional practices are under real pressure due to rising costs and state taxes, including payroll tax. She said this is affecting the ability of clinics to stay open and continue providing care.
She also said GPs are playing a key role in supporting communities affected by bushfires, often being the first point of care for both physical and mental health needs.
The RACGP is calling for stronger government support, including better funding, workforce support, and payroll tax exemptions, to ensure people in regional and rural Victoria can continue to access local healthcare.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: RACGP / newsGP
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