Canberra Liberals Leader and Shadow Treasurer Elizabeth Lee is calling on Andrew Barr and his Labor-Greens government to listen to local GPs, practice owners, staff and GP groups and exempt general practice from the new payroll tax that applies to contractor GPs.

Ms Lee said since the announcement was made by Andrew Barr to enforce the tax on GP clinics a large number of local GPs and stakeholders have raised significant concerns about the impact this tax will have on primary healthcare in the ACT.

“Local GPs have made it very clear that they will have no option but to raise their fees as a result of this tax with some even concerned they may not be able to keep their doors open,” Ms Lee said.

“Canberra already has the lowest number of GPs per capita in the country and losing any of our existing GPs will place even more pressure on our failing hospital system.

“It is astounding that the Chief Minister firstly refused to properly consult with local GPs about the impacts of this tax and then issued a threat that he will only exempt them from this tax if they bulk-bill 65 per cent of patients.

“As stated by many GP clinic owners, as well as the Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian Colleague of General Practitioners this is not practical and would lead to clinics closing their doors.

“Instead of listening to the pleas of our hardworking GPs, Andrew Barr has accused them of making ‘wild accusations’ to try to ‘minimise tax’ and chastised them for a ‘lack of ambition in relation to bulk billing’.

Ms Lee reiterated that if elected in October 2024, the Canberra Liberals will abolish this tax to ensure local GPs can continue delivering high-quality essential healthcare to all Canberrans.

“This government will stop at nothing to avoid scrutiny and transparency of its decisions and actions highlighted by every member of Labor and the Greens voting to throw out my bill late last month to exempt GPs on a contract from this tax.

“It is clear Andrew Barr along with all Labor and Greens members do not want to have this debate and explain why during a cost-of-living crisis they want to make it more expensive to visit a GP whilst at the same time putting more pressure on our hospitals.

“This is a chance for the Labor-Greens government to listen to GPs, listen to the community and exempt GPs from this tax,” Ms Lee concluded.