13 July 2024
Guy Barnett, Minister for Health
The Tasmanian Government’s GP NOW Rapid Response Team is recruiting from today, 13 July, with job advertisements live.
The GP NOW Rapid Response Team will be made up of 10 GPs that can be deployed to support rural and regional communities around the State when and where needed.
GP NOW will provide crisis support and intervention to communities where private general practice is experiencing challenges to help ensure Tasmanians can still see a doctor while a more viable, long-term solution is explored.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said that GPs are one of the most important components of our primary health system.
“When Tasmanians need to see a GP, they should be able to see a GP, no matter where in Tasmania they live,” Minister Barnett said.
“With recruitment now live, Tasmanians can expect to see this team up and running by September 2024.
“The recruitment of these GPs, complemented by our comprehensive suite of investments into GPs, will ensure Tasmanians are receiving the healthcare they deserve.
“This was another important commitment under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and this is another important marker in seeing it delivered – in line with our 100 day plan.
“Today, I’m putting the call out to GPs across Tasmania, Australia and the world – we want you, we need you and we will support you in our healthcare system.”
The GP Now Rapid Response Team will be an extension of the successful Care@home program, with GPs to be based in Cambridge, Launceston and Latrobe.
Also included under our nation-leading GP Guarantee:
- The GP Incentive Package will include a $100,000 settlement allowance for GPs to practice in rural and regional areas of the State; and
- Provide flexible, multi-year funding of up to $250,000 per year to support the ongoing viability of outer-urban, regional and rural Tasmanian GP practices.
The job advertisements can be viewed via: www.jobs.tas.gov.au