Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to provide an update on the Morrison government's commitment to addressing the GP shortage on the Central Coast, particularly in suburbs across the peninsula, including Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina Beach. Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network has been working with an advisory group of 10 local doctors, who meet monthly to advise on strategies and activities to improve the recruitment and retention of GPs across our region. Actions taken by the group so far include looking into the new health workforce distribution priority area classification system, which replaced the district of workforce shortage assessment areas. The advisory group is also undertaking a survey of a number of GP practices to ensure they gather a broad range of views to inform future recommendations, and working with the University of Newcastle to attract mentors and financial support for medical students to intern with local GPs. This work, I'm advised, will assist in building connections and fostering relationships with service providers to drive local solutions.

The lack of GPs across the Central Coast, in my electorate of Robertson in particular, with the difficulty that residents have in booking an appointment to see their local doctor when they need one, is an issue that we've been fighting to address. It's a challenge that I'll continue to ensure gets attention and action. I commend the work of our PHN so far and I'm looking forward to seeing more GPs on the peninsula to provide world-class health care to our region. (Time expired)

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