Inquiry into rural classification scheme

The strongly disputed new rural classification system is to be investigated as part of a Senate inquiry into the factors affecting health services in the bush.

The review which was given the go-ahead yesterday will help determine whether the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas (ASGC-RA) system is ensuring “appropriate distribution of funds” and “delivering intended outcomes”.

It follows ongoing criticism from rural GPs who insist the incentive scheme, introduced in July last year, is resulting in rural and remote areas losing doctors and struggling to attract them to the area, as it places many smaller rural towns in the same classification category as larger regional centres.

For example, doctors receive the same payments under the Rural Relocation Incentive Grant scheme whether they practice in the rural town of Werris Creek in NSW or in Hobart.

Dr Paul Mara, President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, who has been campaigning for a review of the scheme, said: “It is hard enough for small rural towns, often with not much more than a main street with a Chinese restaurant, a war memorial and a café, to attract doctors.

“They should never have been classed as equally or less regional than major coastal cities with their tourist attractions, schools, restaurants and large hospitals.”

Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert called for the inquiry in the Senate yesterday which will be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee (link).
The inquiry will also look at the effect of the introduction of Medicare Locals on the provision of medical services in rural areas.

A report is due back on April 30 next year.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

SSWAHS = SWSLHN + SLHN and the Medicare Locals - 46

AGPN seeks accelerated Medicare Local timeline

24th May 2011

A CALL by the AGPN to launch more than 15 Medicare Locals in July has met with fierce resistance from the GP fraternity.

With the Government yet to announce which Medicare Locals will be the first to be established, the AGPN said there were more than 15 that could feasibly be launched now.
It urged the Government to bring forward their launch, and not wait six months to announce the next tranche as planned.

AGPN chair Dr Emil Djakic said there would be no financial disadvantages in launching an additional 10 Medicare Locals from 1 July.

“The work and commitment is there... Why wait another six months?” Dr Djakic told MO.

“If there are other proposals that came to that original invitation to apply that meet the eligibility criteria and really look like being able to get on and do the job, then we should be allowed to roll our sleeves up and get on with it.”

AMA president-elect Dr Steve Hambleton, however, said too much remained unknown about the organisations, and he reiterated his concern that GP autonomy would be reduced.

“Accelerating the process means there’s going to be more risk, not less,” he said.

RDAA president Dr Paul Mara also urged “slowing down” the rollout, saying GPs had been “hoodwinked” because Medicare Locals were set to take fund-holding from GPs.

Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon’s office had not responded to MO’s queries at the time of press.