THE Tasmanian Government is lobbying the Commonwealth to establish a new model for employing GPs in rural and regional areas.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has written to the Health Minister Mark Butler outlining a proposal for Tasmania to implement a Single Employer Model for Rural Generalists across the State from 2023.

“If adopted, GP Registrars will be employed by the state for the duration of their training period allowing for a seamless transition between hospital and community-based GP training placements,’’ Mr Rockliff said.

“In effect, this will make it easier and more financially beneficial for training placements to occur in rural and regional areas – providing a sustainable pathway to strengthen the workforce in these areas for the long term.

“The proposal aligns with the recent recommendations endorsed by National Cabinet in the Improving Care Pathways Report. “It will complement the current work we are doing to improve primary care access in Tasmania, including our Community Rapid Response Service, our GP After Hours Support Initiative, a new Rural Medical Workforce Centre, Community Paramedics and mental health hospital in the home services.’’

While the Federal Government is responsible for Primary Care, including GPs through Medicare, the Tasmanian Government said it was willing to step in to fill the gaps.

“Our Government is committed to exploring ways in which we can work with the Australian Government, GPs, stakeholders and the community to deliver something truly innovative to arrest the decline in GPs in rural and regional areas,’’ he said.