Canberra: ACT Opposition Leader Leanne Castley MLA has criticised the ACT Labor Government, saying its policies are making it harder and more expensive for general practitioners (GPs) to operate in the territory.

Ms Castley said that rising costs and increased administrative pressures on GPs were contributing to longer waiting times and higher consultation fees for patients.

“At a time when the cost of living is up, we should be making it easier for GPs, not harder,” she said. “Canberrans now face the lowest bulk-billing rates and the highest out-of-pocket GP fees in the country.”

The Opposition Leader said many residents were delaying medical visits due to high costs, which in some cases led to more serious conditions requiring hospital treatment.

Ms Castley also pointed to long waiting times at Canberra’s emergency departments and surgical lists, arguing that these pressures reflect broader issues within the ACT health system.

“The health system is struggling, and people deserve better,” she said, calling on residents to share their experiences of local healthcare services.

The ACT Government has previously stated that it continues to invest in healthcare infrastructure and workforce support, arguing that broader national GP workforce shortages and funding arrangements also affect access to primary care. ::: Press Released by

Ms Castley

Outlook 

While the opposition frames the ACT health system as in crisis, Labor counters with a suite of policy changes intended to relieve pressure on GPs and the public system. The debate will likely continue over whether these measures go far enough, how quickly they can be implemented, and whether they translate into more affordable and timely access for residents.