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Stanhope Labor's $12 million GP package is a case of 'better late than never' according to Community Alliance Party candidate for Ginninderra, Roger Nicoll, but he says more needs to be done to stem the flow of doctors out of the ACT system. "Canberra's doctor shortage and access crisis has deepened through 7 years of the Stanhope reign, so its hard to believe that the promise of a $12 million bucket, just weeks out from the election, will change that," Mr Nicoll said. The number of GPs per 100,000 of ACT population declined from 73.3 (full-time workforce equivalent GPs) in 1998–99 to 63.3 in 2005–06, according to the latest ACT State of Environment Report. This is well below the national average of 86.1 GPs per 100,000. "There are some good ideas in the plan, but the $12 million could end up being more money wasted if the ACT continues to train and lose GPs to other jurisdictions and other career choices." Bonded scholarships for ANU Medical school students, GP teaching support and incentives for growing GP numbers are promising ideas that are consistent with Community Alliance Party policy, according to Mr Nicoll. "However, the $12 million might be better spent addressing some of the deep systemic problems in the ACT health system that are continuing to push GPs and nurses out of their profession or out of the ACT." "The Community Alliance Party has been working with the community to develop an approach than will bring real and lasting solutions, not bandaids, to these systemic problems." "Part of the answer for attracting more GPs to Canberra will be to restore greater affordability, lifestyle attractions, community participation and more effective and responsible government – all important priorities for the Community Alliance," Mr Nicoll said. Contact: Roger Nicoll
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