Already 2009 is slipping by ever so quickly and the Board of the GEGPN continues to grapple with the changing landscape under the new Governments at both a State and Federal level.
Matters that are high on the Boards agenda relate to the finalisation of ongoing funding under the new National Performance Indicators brought down at the commencement of the 2008 2009 financial year. The most significant of these is the review by the Federal Government in relation to replacing the current funding formula and the new approach to primary health care.
It had been hoped that the new funding formula would be in place by the 1st July 2009 to take effect for the remainder or our four year core funding contract 2008 2012. Unfortunately this is not to be the case and we have just been advised that our current funding levels plus indexation has been extended until the 31st December 2009. We are advised that any new arrangements will be in place by that time.
With regards to the Federal Governments approach to the primary health care this has been the subject of considerable input by the Divisions/Networks through the Australian General Practice Network and it is expected that the overall direction will become clear following the May budget.
We have however received advise that significant funds will be made available through the Commonwealth Government Initiative ‘Closing the Gap’ in Indigenous Health. Furthermore, the indications are that there will be opportunities for Divisions/Networks to participate in this initiative.
Your Network is well placed to respond to these challenges in the coming months and we look forward to the opportunity to provide new services supporting General Practice and the health of our community
Andrew Siegmund
– Chairperson
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