RACGP Urges Support for GPs in Disaster Response
18 Mar 2026
As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the college is asking the Queensland Government to provide more support to general practices before, during, and after these events.
Queensland is the most disaster-affected state in Australia and is now preparing for Cyclone Narelle, which may hit the far north coast as a category 5 storm.
Aileen Traves, RACGP Queensland Deputy Chair, said many GPs feel “shut out” of planning and response efforts.
She said some doctors have even been turned away from evacuation centres or asked to help without clear roles or payment.
GPs often provide essential care like managing chronic illness, mental health support, and medications during disasters, but there is no consistent funding or formal system to support them.
The RACGP is asking for up to $3.8 million to fund a GP Disaster Preparedness Program. This would include grants of up to $40,000 for high-risk clinics to improve their readiness.
The proposal also calls for GPs to be included in local disaster committees to improve coordination and care.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: (RACGP), newsGP