RACGP WA pushes for better after-hours GP services ahead of State Budget
30 Apr 2026
RACGP WA is calling for stronger support for after-hours general practice services in its submission ahead of the upcoming State Budget in May.
The college says improving access to after-hours GP care should be a key focus, as it continues talks with politicians from across different parties.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said there has been a lot of government focus on urgent care and expanding pharmacy services, but after-hours care is already a core part of general practice.
“‘The reality is this is bread and butter of general practice and what we are able to deliver,’ she told newsGP.
She also said funding is the key issue.
“‘Again, it comes back to the point that if we fix the funding, we can also enable and sustain the workforce with that.
‘There is certainly an appetite within general practice, but we need to have the appropriate systems and processes and the funding to support that.’”
The submission also includes other priorities like better follow-up care after patients leave hospital to help prevent readmissions, improved access to meningococcal B vaccines, and payment for GPs who prepare medical reports for the State Administrative Tribunal.
As part of its advocacy, Dr Raman and the RACGP WA team have been meeting with political leaders from different parties.
She said they have had positive discussions with state health ministers and also took part in a roundtable on Wednesday night with WA Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam.
Dr Raman said the discussion covered a range of topics, including flu vaccines and housing pressures for health workers in remote areas.
She also noted that the Liberal election plan includes several ideas similar to those suggested by the college.
“Our advocacy does work and it does have an effect,” she said.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: newsGP / RACGP WA
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