Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

Those on the other side may not understand, but the PGPPP was put in place at a time when we needed to encourage doctors to look to taking up general practice as their vocation. That was some time ago, and also, I might point out for senators opposite, that for the 12-week average period of the PGPPP placement, it was around $55,000 cost. What we have seen over recent years is a much greater move by our medicos going through the system towards general practice, so the need to have those PGPPP places there for those students has decreased.

What we have also seen, including from United General Practice, was a call to increase the number of GP training places from 1,200 to a higher amount. That is exactly what we have done in this budget. We have increased those training places from 1,200 to 1,500 places. I also point out for those opposite that the 12-month period also comes at a cost to government of around $55,000. So this government, which is making very sensible and very effective changes in this budget, knowing that it was left with such a budget mess, has had to take tough decisions, including responsible action, and that was reflected in the decision about the PGPPP.