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Also known as "JobKeeper 2.0" The Government announced on 21 July 2020 that it will extend the JobKeeper payment until 28 March 2021, and will target support to employers who continue to be significantly impacted by Coronavirus. As part of the announcement, the government confirmed: The existing JobKeeper Payment will remain in place until 27 Se...

The RACGP has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision, which comes after months of strong college advocacy. Patients will now only be able to access telehealth services under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) through their regular GP or practice – where they have been an active patient within the past 12 months – or through a referred non-...

As a community transmission-fuelled outbreak threatens to get out of control and suburbs are locked down, newsGP explores containment efforts and general practice’s role in stopping the spread. The spate of new cases in Victoria – more than 400 over the past fortnight – has forced health authorities to apply drastic new measures to bring the sit...

As the spread of coronavirus seems to be curbed in most states of Australia, the restrictions set by Australia’s federal, state and territory governments are starting to ease, including travel. We understand for some, especially our Locum GPs, the travel restrictions have had a significant impact. So, what does this mean for you? The majority of...

Telehealth means losing the strengths of a face-to-face consultation – or does it? Before the pandemic, Dr Gillian Singleton was a telehealth sceptic. How, she wondered, could seeing someone on a screen or over the phone replace the nuances of face-to-face communication? The Melbourne GP and co-host of RACGP podcast Generally Speaking treats man...

The new exam will better reflect contemporary assessment principles for GPs working towards Fellowship. A transitional assessment is already in development for November’s exam period, before an entirely new clinical exam more closely aligned with contemporary assessment frameworks and theories is revealed in 2021. The RACGP has also indicated it...

The Health Workforce Division in the Rural Access Branch of the Australian Government Department of Health has released an official communication about temporary changes to requirements under s19AA and 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973, as follows. To support doctors responding to the COVID-19 pandemic the Department of Health is implementin...

We hope that you and your people are continuing to remain safe throughout these unprecedented times. While the economic impact of COVID-19 is causing concerns of reduced business for some, as the frontline of the fight against the virus, the healthcare industry is experiencing an exponential increase in demand. Not only that, but maintaining our...

In the most far-reaching change for general practice in a generation, telehealth will be broadened to include all Australians and new incentives introduced to keep GPs and patients safe during the pandemic. UPDATED An estimated $500 million in new telehealth measures and incentives for GPs has been announced following strong RACGP advocacy to ke...

In recent years there has been an increase in pharmacists working in general practice in Australia, with evidence showing that pharmacists provide valuable support to the general practice team (Reference: Capital Health Network). On 1 February 2020, the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) - Practice Stream commenced, providing eligible general pra...