A commitment from the Victorian Liberals and Nationals to scrap payroll tax on GPs if elected, announced today by Jess Wilson MP, has been welcomed by the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP),
The College also called on other parties to match the commitment to support access to general practice care.
The news comes as RACGP Victoria also welcomes 167 new specialist GPs into the profession.
RACGP Victoria Co-Deputy Chair Dr Aadhil Aziz called the news a “relief” for practices feeling the strain of the tax on top of rising business costs, with payroll tax making it increasingly difficult to operate a general practice in the state.
“Today, we’re not just welcoming our 167 newest Fellows into practice as specialist GPs in Victoria – we’ve looking at potential relief for the practices they’ll be working at thanks to this commitment from the Opposition,” he said.
“Relief is the right word it – the news a Victorian Liberal and Nationals Government will scrap payroll tax for general practices if elected in November will be very welcome to practices.
“If we want Victorians to see a GP and access to affordable healthcare when they need one, general practice has to be financially sustainable.
“Most general practices are small businesses, and the margins are extremely thin – 2–3%.
“On top of this, practices have been hit by skyrocketing inflation and operating costs.
“Together, these pressures are making it harder for practices to stay viable, recruit doctors and keep care affordable for patients.
“Scrapping the extra cost of payroll tax will not only protect existing practices and their patients, it will also help to ensure the sustainability of general practice into the future.
“We want all Victorians to have access to affordable care close to home, and there’s no substitute for high-quality care delivered by a GP who knows you, your history, and your community.
“This is an excellent move by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals, and a smart one. If patients can’t see a GP, they’re more likely to end up in our already stretched and costly hospital emergency departments.
“I challenge all parties and candidates who’ll be running in November’s election to offer the same relief for general practices and our patients.”
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