Premier says Federal Government must act immediately on doctor shortage

8/10/03
Premier Geoff Gallop has challenged new Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott to urgently address the severe doctor shortage in Western Australia.
Dr Gallop's challenge is based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data that shows WA has the lowest number of GPs per capita in the country.
"I wish Mr Abbott well in his new role and look forward to working with him on the major issues affecting health in WA," the Premier said.
"But unless he is prepared to immediately tackle the serious issue of declining doctor numbers in this State, I will remain sceptical about his ability to improve the situation."
The institute data shows WA has a shortage of at least 140 GPs. WA also has fewer GPs per capita than other States (99.7 GPs per 100,000, compared with a national rate of 110).
Dr Gallop said the shortages were most severe in the outer Perth metropolitan areas such as Ellenbrook, Clarkson, Merriwa, Mindarie, Quinns Rock and Butler, as well as rural and remote areas.
"The local GP is an integral part of any community," he said.
"But some of our newest suburbs are missing out because the Federal Government is not providing adequate incentives for doctors to practise in these communities.

"Many rural and remote communities also do not have access to a private GP, with people instead forced to rely on public hospitals.
"In the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, there are fewer than 10 private GPs for a population of 80,000."
Dr Gallop said this data showed the Federal Government had ignored what was a critical problem in WA.
"I implore Mr Abbott to turn his attention to WA and not just focus his energies in the Eastern States," he said.
In 2002-03, the Commonwealth spent $364 per person in WA on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, which was $44 per person below the national rate of $408 per person.
"If WA had received the equivalent of the national rate, then it would have meant an extra $85 million for the State," the Premier said.
Dr Gallop also said the shortage of doctors had been a major contributor to the rapid decline in bulk billing. In WA, the proportion of bulk billed general practitioner services had decreased from 79.8 per cent in 1996-97 to 66.1 per cent in 2002-03.
"It's very clear that current Commonwealth policies are not working and many of their GP incentive programs are not targeted for WA," the Premier said.
Minister's office: 9222 9475