Contribution of GPs not fully recognised in healthcare efficiency plan
24 Sep 2025
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has told the Productivity Commission (PC) that its recent interim report on delivering efficient, quality healthcare does not fully recognise the central role GPs play in Australia’s health system.
The report, Delivering quality care more efficiently – Interim report, was released last month and includes recommendations to improve preventive care, streamline regulation, reduce fragmentation in healthcare, and establish a framework to guide government investment in prevention. A final report is expected by the end of the year.
RACGP Concerns
While the RACGP supports several of the report’s recommendations, it expressed concern that key suggestions for supporting general practice were not included. These include:
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Backing multidisciplinary teams in general practice
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Integrating general practice-based pharmacists
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Expanding health assessments across the lifespan
The college said the report “misses opportunities to build on what works well—high-performing, enabled, and well-funded general practice” and noted there are no recommendations to shift Australia’s healthcare focus from expensive hospital services to prevention-focused care delivered by general practice teams.
GPs and Preventive Care
RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care Chair, Professor Mark Morgan, emphasised that GPs remain “central to high-quality prevention.” The RACGP has also requested GP representation on the proposed Prevention Framework Advisory Board to ensure effective prevention programs are funded and maintained.
Equity and Cultural Safety
The college highlighted the importance of embedding cultural safety and health equity in productivity reforms, urging the Commission to consider these factors when finalising recommendations.
Supported Recommendations
The RACGP welcomed aspects of the report such as aligning quality and safety standards across healthcare, reducing fragmentation, and establishing the National Prevention Investment Framework.
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), 2025
