The RACGP has unveiled a five-year advocacy plan in which it outlines how it hopes to shift health policy in Australia which includes some Western Australia specific focus areas.
The college’s Advocacy Plan 2026–30 has called on the WA government to take action across four areas.
It wants to see the state government support a post-hospital discharge GP connection incentive program.
The RACGP envisions such a program could operate by ensuring anyone discharged from hospital has a follow-up appointment booked with their GP within four weeks.
The college will also advocate for the establishment of a WA specific health data insights program to better inform health policy decision making, in line with the NSW government’s LUMOS program.
The plan also calls for the creation of Health Service Primary Care Councils for all WA health services and a Chief GP Advisor within WA Health.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said a main focus would be improving care after hospital discharge and embedding general practice at the centre of system reform,” she said.
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“That means better hospital-to-GP connections, stronger GP leadership within WA Health, and care that is continuous and high-quality.”
The WA specific measures are in line with what the RACGP looks to do over the next five years on a national level.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said as models of care evolve, the college continude to advocate for reforms that are evidence‑based, value and prioritise safety and quality, and do not fragment care.
“We are focused on building a system that is not just high quality, but also culturally safe, inclusive, and equitable for all Australians,” he said.
Nationally the plan also aims to increase investment in general practice and highlight the value and critical role of specialist GPs in the health system.
Priority areas are growing and sustaining the specialist GP workforce, better support international medical graduates, culturally safety and inclusivity within the healthcare system and unlocking the full potential of general practice by reducing red tape and embracing innovative technologies and research.
“We want to enable GPs to spend more time caring for patients and less time dealing with red tape,” Dr Wright said.
At a time of growing pressure on the health system, the RACGP said the plan provides a clear roadmap for sustained, coordinated advocacy to keep general practice at the centre of decision making.
Dr Wright said there is no substitute for the quality care Australians receive from a specialist GP who knows patients and their history.
“GPs know what their communities need,” he said.
“This plan elevates that expertise and ensures governments hear it clearly.”
Medical Forum contacted WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat to comment on the RACGP’s focus areas for advocacy in the state, however her office did not provide a response on the matter.
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