Queensland to scrap ‘patient tax’ – payroll tax on primary health care doctors

THE Queensland Government has made a nation-leading commitment to scrap payroll tax on general practitioners (GPs) – in a move the Primary Care Business Council (PCBC) has called “a win for doctors and patients across the state”. This is now a pledge from both the Labor and LNP parties seeking to win the upcoming State Election on October 26.

PCBC chair, Ged Foley praised the Queensland Government for being “the first in the country to support GPs” and commit to ensuring primary care remains affordable and accessible.

“The Queensland Government’s pledge to abolish this destructive financial burden on GPs is the common sense approach we desperately need to make sure patients have access to affordable primary care,” Dr Foley said. 

“I commend the Queensland Government for making this decision and I know doctors across the state will be breathing a sigh of relief today, knowing that they can continue to operate with certainty.

“First the Liberal-National Party (LNP) and now the Queensland (Labor) Government, have recognised the unacceptable burden this tax places on general practice. This should serve as an example for other states of how to handle this issue which threatens the viability of general practices across the country,” Dr Foley said.

“The Primary Care Business Council calls on other states to adopt a similar approach to payroll tax on GPs, which will force many clinics to raise fees and even others to close their doors, both of which will impact patients hard especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Abolishing payroll tax on GPs will keep the cost of visiting a doctor in check and it will take the pressure off over stretched emergency departments – it’s a no-brainer. The Queensland Government has done the right thing. It’s now time for other state governments to follow suit.”

The PCBC represents 5,000 GPs across Australia, operating about 800 general practices in inner city and metropolitan areas as well as rural and remote locations.  PCBC members facilitate 24 million patient visits each year.

www.pcbc.net.au

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