An additional five general practice vocational training places will be made available in Canberra in 2010 by the Commonwealth Government.
Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy has welcomed the announcement, which will take the number of Canberra registrars in training to more than 30.
The decision to add an extra five GP training places follows discussions between the Commonwealth Minister for Health Nicola Roxon and the ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher.
“This is welcome news for the ACT, and reaffirms that the Rudd Government is committed to addressing the serious shortage of general practitioners currently being experienced in Canberra. This announcement adds to the removal of the former Government’s cap on places, and 35% increase in training places,” Senator Lundy said.
The Rudd Government has already increased the total number of training places available on the AGPT program by 100, bringing the total being offered nationally in 2010 to 600. In 2011 this number will increase further, to 812.
The ACT Government has also allocated $12.2 million over four years for initiatives that support and grow Canberra’s GP workforce. This includes one-off incentive payments to general practices for initiative that attract and retain staff, teaching incentive payments and scholarships for ANU medical graduates who commit to working in Canberra.
Media contact: Annika Hutchins (Senator Lundy) 0407 458 882 or (02) 6230 0411 (Office)
