The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed key health investments in the Queensland Budget, particularly funding aimed at prevention, immunisation, and improving access for vulnerable communities.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said the budget included several measures that recognise the vital role of general practice in keeping communities healthy and out of hospital.
“We’re pleased to see a $37.5 million investment over five years to deliver kindy health checks,” she said.
“Early identification of developmental, behavioural, and health concerns is crucial. Supporting children at the earliest stages of life enables better long-term health outcomes and reduces pressure on the health system down the track.”
The RACGP also welcomed the Government’s ongoing $31 million commitment to influenza immunisation programs.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to protect the community,” Dr Hester said.
“Ensuring continued access to free or funded flu vaccinations will help reduce illness, hospitalisations, and pressure on frontline services, especially during winter.”
The College noted reforms to the patient travel subsidy scheme as a positive step toward improving equity of access.
“Queenslanders in rural and remote areas often face significant costs and barriers when accessing care,” Dr Hester said.
“Changes to travel subsidies are an important part of making healthcare more accessible, regardless of where you live.”
The RACGP also welcomed investment in essential infrastructure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including 21 new projects to improve drinking water and wastewater management, supported by $74 million through the Closing the Gap Priorities Fund.
“Safe water and sanitation are fundamental to good health outcomes,” Dr Hester said.
“These investments address critical social determinants of health and will contribute to better long-term outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
The RACGP welcomed the Queensland Government’s stated intention to maintain a policy environment that supports the viability of general practice, including messaging around avoiding unnecessary increases to payroll and land tax.
“General practices are small businesses delivering essential healthcare,” Dr Hester said.
“Keeping payroll and land tax settings stable and sustainable is critical to ensuring practices can continue to operate, employ staff, and provide accessible care to their communities.”
The RACGP also acknowledged the Government’s significant $450 million investment in specialist homelessness services, including funding for additional crisis accommodation.
“People experiencing homelessness face significant and complex health challenges,” Dr Hester said.
“Increased investment in homelessness services and crisis accommodation will help improve access to care and support better health outcomes for some of Queensland’s most vulnerable people.”
Importantly, the RACGP noted the Government’s statement in the Budget speech that it does not support the establishment of state-owned GP services.
“We support a strong, independent general practice sector working in partnership with government,” Dr Hester said.
“Investing in existing community-based GP care is the most efficient and effective way to strengthen primary care and deliver for patients.”
Dr Hester said the RACGP looks forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to ensure funding translates into improved access to high-quality, patient-centred care.
“There is always more to be done, but this budget includes welcome steps that recognise the essential role of general practice,” she said.
The RACGP Queensland Pre-Budget Submission 2026–27 is available online.
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