Govt bestows $220m on Strengthening Medicare GP Grants Program

The $220 million Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program will allow all general practices and eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to expand patient access and improve their services.

The GP Grants Program is designed to strengthen Medicare and boost general practice.

The GP grants will support all general practices and eligible ACCHOs across Australia to make investments in innovation, training, equipment and minor capital works in one or more of the three investment streams below:

1. Enhance digital health capability.
2. Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements.
3. Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for General Practices (5th edition).

Grants will be provided depending on accredited GP practice size, with smaller practices eligible for grants of $25,000 or $35,000 and larger practices eligible for grants of $50,000. GP practices and ACCHOs not currently accredited against the RACGP standards will be eligible for $25,000.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said, “The $220 million investment will give a much-needed boost to general practices across the country.

“After working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, doctors deserve more than thanks; that’s why we’re giving them the resources to invest in their practices.”

The grants will be delivered through local Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).

Over the coming weeks, PHNs and NACCHO will be sending letters directly to general practices inviting participation in the Grants Program.

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