Why we need it

Tasmanians need cost of living relief and more access to healthcare. This plan from Labor will deliver both.

Right now, it’s too hard to find free regular doctor clinics in Tasmania. Our Urgent Care Clinics are great, but they are for urgent care, not regular doctor appointments.

Tasmanians can’t get into a doctor when they need one and are waiting too long to receive basic care. 

People are putting off GP appointments because they can’t afford them.

This policy addresses the two biggest challenges Tasmanians are facing – a lack of access to basic healthcare in their community, and cost of living pressure.

The details

Labor will make it easier to see a doctor by setting up five free GP clinics across Tasmania in the South, North and North West, in areas where there is a clear community need.

Existing state-owned facilities will be used where possible. A Dean Winter Labor Government will provide clinic space and cover administrative and overhead expenses for the clinics, including nursing and support staff. Doctors will work as independent contractors and be paid through Medicare.

The clinics are intended to have extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends to improve accessibility for working families and people with complex schedules.

The clinics will each host four full-time equivalent GPs, delivering 20,000 more bulk-billed appointments at each of the five locations, every year. Together the clinics will provide a total of 100,000 extra bulk-billed GP appointments every year.

Under Labor’s plan, the five free GP clinics will be established across the state, helping to take pressure off hospitals, improve access to healthcare and ensuring Tasmanians can see a doctor when they need one. 

The centres will complement existing local GPs by providing additional options for people who require appointments at short notice, do not have a regular GP or who might otherwise present at an Emergency Department.