With the longstanding GP Assist service scheduled to close on 31 July, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is calling on all parties contesting this weekend’s Tasmanian state election to urgently commit to preserving after-hours general practice support in Tasmania.
GP Assist is Tasmania’s only statewide after-hours GP service, supporting clinical decision-making for Rural Generalists, hospitals, aged care homes, palliative care, urgent pathology, and members of the public.
ACRRM Tasmania Rural Director of Training Dr Aaron Hawkins says the withdrawal of funding for a trusted, locally delivered service - run by Tasmanian doctors familiar with local systems and referral pathways - risks leaving rural communities unsupported after hours.
“This change will place significant pressure on already-stretched doctors who are providing essential 24/7 care,” Dr Hawkins says.
“Replacing GP Assist with a nationally-run model that lacks local context will weaken care continuity, further increase rural doctor workloads, have serious consequences for patient safety, and impact long-term workforce retention.”
While ACRRM acknowledges future models are under consideration, the College advocates that:
- GP Assist remain operational until an equivalent or improved model is in place and ready to launch;
- Any new model retain local clinical expertise and support Tasmania’s rural communities after hours;
- Transition planning be co-designed with rural clinicians and health services to ensure safe, sustainable care.
“With Tasmania facing a Rural Generalist shortage and health professionals under growing pressure, the removal of this service without a clear and viable alternative is unacceptable,” Dr Hawkins says.
“We call on the parties contesting the election this weekend either continue funding GP Assist, or commit to a replacement model that meets the unique needs of rural and remote Tasmanian communities,” Dr Hawkins adds.