GP Super Clinic for Wallan

Media Statement - 16th November 2007

Julia Gillard

Nicola Roxon

A Rudd Labor Government's investment of $1 million in a new GP Super Clinic in Wallan will provide infrastructure to boost health services and help attract doctors and health workers to the area, helping to combat local health workforce shortages.

Labor has chosen this area for a GP Super Clinic because it is one of the fastest growing towns in regional Victoria: the current population of approximately 6,000 residents is expected to grow to 20,000 over the next ten years.

Despite this growth, there is currently only one bulk-billing practitioner in Wallan - severely impacting on accessibility to affordable health care.

Federal Labor's GP Super Clinics, by aiming to bring GPs, specialists and allied health services together in one convenient location, will enable patients to seamlessly access the range of health services they need to improve their health.

Once completed, the Wallan GP Super Clinic is expected to provide:

• Privately practising GP services including after hours services;
• Chronic disease management services; and
• A range of allied health services such as physiotherapy, dieticians and podiatry.

If elected, Federal Labor will work in partnership with the Central Highlands Division of GPs, local government and the local community to finalise the services to be delivered at the Wallan GP Super Clinic.

Federal Labor will work closely with local doctors and health professionals to ensure that the new Wallan GP Super Clinic complements and enhances existing health services.

Federal Labor Deputy Leader, Julia Gillard said:

“I'm delighted to be able to announce that Labor will provide funding for a GP Super Clinic here in Wallan. A GP Super Clinic in this area will help take pressure off local hospitals and will provide a greater range of services in one place.”

Shadow Minister for Health Nicola Roxon said:

“The GP Super Clinic in Wallan is part of Labor’s $2.5 billion Health and Hospitals Reform Plan to improve health and hospital services and deliver better health outcomes to local communities around Australia.”

Labor Candidate for McEwen Rob Mitchell said:

"A GP Super Clinic in Wallan will provide a great boost to this growing area. I am proud to be part of a Labor team which recognises the pressures arising from population growth in this area – and is committed to meeting the needs of this community."