WA doctors push for stronger GP care during Parliament visit
25 Aug 2026
The group also offered health checks to politicians while discussing some of the pressures facing patients and GPs across the state.
RACGP WA Co-Deputy Chair Dr Julia Rawlinson and Provost Dr Tim Koh led the delegation. Eight GPs took part, with doctors attending from metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities.
Dr Rawlinson said meeting directly with MPs was a chance to explain how strong primary care can improve health outcomes and provide good value for the health system.
The GPs used the event to raise three key priorities.
One proposal focused on reducing avoidable hospital admissions by improving follow-up with a GP after a patient leaves hospital. This includes a proposed ‘Hospital to GP Transfer of Care’ trial and a payment for GPs who review patients within seven days of an unplanned hospital discharge.
The delegation also called for further investment in ADHD GP training. The proposal would provide an additional $350,000 to train more doctors, with a target of 100 additional qualified GPs by June next year.
Another recommendation was the creation of a Chief GP Advisor position within the WA Department of Health. The role would aim to improve communication between general practice and hospital-based health services.
Dr Rawlinson said discussions with MPs also helped GPs understand the health concerns being raised by people in different electorates, particularly around access to primary care.
The Parliament visit was the third annual event of its kind in WA. It is part of a wider RACGP program that brings GPs and politicians together across Australia to discuss local healthcare needs.
WA doctors push for stronger GP care during Parliament visit
Source: RACGP newsGP