The Minister for Health and Aged Care established the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, building on Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022-32, to provide recommendations on the highest priority improvements to primary care. As part of the 2022-23 October Budget, the Australian Government is investing in Medicare general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) through the Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program.
The program has a budget of $220 million and is available to general practices and ACCHS across Australia.
Practices will be eligible for one-off grants of up to $50,000 depending on their practice size (by full-time equivalent) for innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works to support the achievement of the following objectives:
- Enhance digital health capability, such as IT hardware and software upgrades, to fast-track the benefits of a more connected health care system to meet future standards through digital health solutions
- Upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements to ensure patients are safe from infectious respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19 and influenza, and can be seen face-to-face
- Maintain and/or achieve accreditation against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Standards for General Practice to promote quality and safety in general practice
These objectives were developed following the release of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report which identified priority areas in primary care that need investment to improve practices, expand patient access and provide high quality, safe, accessible care.
For more information, see the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Fact Sheet.
When Will Grants Be Available?
Grant applications and distributions are being managed by Primary Health Networks. As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, we are distributing grants in our region.
The Department of Health and Aged Care will set the national parameters for the program, including a simple application form and program guidance to make it easy for practices to apply for the grants. Further information will be communicated in the first quarter of 2023 prior to the program commencing.
If you have any questions, please contact us at primarycaregrants@wentwest.com.au or speak to your Practice Development Team member.
2 February 2023