Grants to help Hinkler GPs take on trainees

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is urging eligible local general practices to apply for new Australian Government grants of up to $300,000 to enable them to build the extra facilities they need to take on more trainees and GP registrars.

“This Australian Government initiative will boost the health workforce in our area and give people in Hinkler better access to quality health services,” Mr Pitt said.

“General practices are now able to access the guidelines for the Rural and Remote Teaching Infrastructure Grants programme and are invited to apply in the round of grants.”

Mr Pitt said the Government committed $52.5 million over three years to help general practices in regional and rural locations to expand facilities, with the additional consultation rooms and space to support more medical students and supervising GP registrars.

“Grants of up to $300,000 are available to help practices upgrade their facilities, with the general practice to also provide matching funding.

“The Government supports a strong primary care workforce that can meet Australia’s future healthcare needs.

“This investment will not only strengthen the general practice workforce in Hinkler; it will also enhance the local training of doctors, GP registrars and medical students and give patients better access to health services.

“We know from the evidence that people often choose to stay and work in areas where they have trained – and we want such people in Hinkler.”

The programme guidelines for the Rural and Remote Teaching Infrastructure Grants programme and an ‘Invitation to Apply’ have been released by Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash, and are now available on the Department of Health’s website at www.health.gov.au/tenders

Applications close on 23 February 2015.

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814