GP clinics across Northern Victoria could be forced to close their doors, cut services, or pass on higher costs to patients as a result of the Allan Labor Government’s unfair GP payroll tax, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
“The tax is placing enormous financial pressure on already stretched regional clinics, at a time when communities are struggling to access affordable healthcare and attract doctors to the regions,” Ms Broad said.
“Many practices are warning they may have no choice but to increase out-of-pocket costs for patients or reduce services, making it even harder for families to see a doctor close to home.”
Ms Broad said the Liberals and Nationals had committed to abolishing the GP payroll tax if elected later this year.
“This will provide certainty for clinics and protect access to affordable healthcare across regional Victoria.
“Local GP clinics should not be treated as a cash cow for a government drowning in debt.”
Ms Broad said people who were unable to see a GP could end up in the emergency departments of hospitals, adding extra pressure and costs to an already over-stretched system.
Ms Broad has previously campaigned against the government’s payroll tax on GPs.
In early 2024 Ms Broad raised concerns in Parliament that the tax would threaten the viability of GP clinics and increase out-of-pocket costs for regional patients.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) recently warned general practice in Victoria was under severe pressure, with rising costs, workforce shortages and inadequate Medicare funding “pushing many practices to breaking point”.
The RACGP urged the government to introduce a payroll tax exemption for GPs, similar to arrangements already in place in Queensland.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
