RACGP Urges NSW Government to Invest in GPs to Reduce Hospital Costs
25 Mar 2026
In a pre-Budget submission, the RACGP proposed initiatives to strengthen primary care, including more support for chronic and complex patients, expanded after-hours care, and preventive health programs.
Key Points from the Submission:
- NSW public hospitals are under pressure, with record emergency department visits, admissions, and ambulance callouts.
- Hospital spending in NSW has increased over 60% in the past 10 years, which the RACGP says is “completely unsustainable.”
- A $51.8 million package would allow GPs to employ allied health professionals, nurses, mental health workers, and care coordinators to support patients with chronic conditions.
- $30.5 million annually would fund same-day and next-day appointments, plus a $150,000 per-practice trial for after-hours care.
- A GP in Schools pilot across 20 high schools ($12 million per year, expanding to 50 schools for $18.5 million) would provide GP sessions, mental health triage, and preventive care.
- Vaccination programs ($147.5–166.5 million annually) would expand influenza, meningococcal B, and RSV coverage to reduce preventable hospitalisations.
- $11.5–14.5 million annually would fund GP Liaison Officers and GPs with special interests in local health districts to improve care coordination and hospital discharge.
Dr Rebekah Hoffman, RACGP NSW&ACT Chair, said:
“Investing in well-connected general practice not only reduces preventable hospitalisations, but also gives a strong return on investment – every $1 spent returns $1.60 in health system benefits.”
The submission highlights that strengthening general practice is a key way to make NSW hospitals more effective and sustainable.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)