Palaszczuk Government expands program to put more GPs in state schools

The Palaszczuk Government will expand a pilot program to base GPs at a number of state secondary schools from early next year.

The pilot – announced at the last state election – was originally set to roll out to 20 schools.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today said the government would expand the program to base GPs at 50 state secondary schools throughout Queensland.

“Every Queenslander deserves to be able to book a doctor’s appointment when they need one. But for many young people, getting in to see a GP is often difficult and time-consuming,” the Premier said.

“That’s why – at the last election – we announced a pilot program to base GPs at 20 state secondary schools throughout Queensland.

“We asked schools to register their interest to participate in this program and we were inundated with requests.

“Today I’m proud to announce that we’ll expand this program.”

The Department of Education is finalising the list of schools set to participate in the pilot.

Once a list is finalised, the government will establish fit-for-purpose clinics at each of the schools, enabling GPs to provide free consultations to students one day per week.

“The last 18 months have affected us all. Our students, in particular, have had to overcome great challenges throughout the pandemic. This has undoubtedly had an impact on their health and wellbeing,” the Premier said.

“Through our $100 million student wellbeing program, we’ll ensure that more young Queenslanders have access to quality care.

“This is an important investment. Delivering quality healthcare and education for all Queenslanders is what good Labor governments do best.

“We’ll continue to invest in programs like this to give all Queenslanders better access to quality health services.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the state’s $100 million student wellbeing program was an important component of the Palaszczuk Government’s record $15.3 billion education budget.

“At the last election we committed to a Wellbeing Program, giving every student, in every state primary and secondary school, access to a health and wellbeing professional,” she said.

“It will see up to 464 additional psychologists and wellbeing professionals employed in Queensland schools over the next three years.

“Providing students with access to timely healthcare, at no cost to them or their families, will have a positive impact on students’ health, mental health and their readiness and ability to engage at school, and we want to ensure as many students as possible can benefit.”

Ms Grace said schools selected for the pilot will be notified by the end of September.

“It is anticipated that GP clinics will be up and running in all pilot schools in the first half of 2022,” she said.

“I look forward to seeing the program come to fruition and visiting schools’ GP clinics to see the benefits first-hand.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447  

Laura McKee (Minister’s office) 0451 997 920