“By expanding GP care through these initiatives and commitments, Canberrans will have better access to healthcare services outside of emergency departments,” Ms Lee said.

“Primary care has long been neglected by Labor and the Greens and as a result we now have one of the worst health systems in the country which includes the longest emergency department wait times in the nation.

“A Canberra Liberals Government will respect GPs and prioritise primary care which will play a big role in taking pressure off the emergency department that is at breaking point.”

Shadow Minister for Health Leanne Castley said incorporating GPs into new walk in centres in South Tuggeranong, West Belconnen, North Gungahlin and the Inner South, along with incentivising practices to provide after-hours care, would deliver more than 200,000 GP appointments each year.

“More than 40 per cent of Emergency Department presentations each month are categorised as non-urgent or semi-urgent and could be seen by a GP and more patients are presenting to ED with chronic conditions that have been undiagnosed for long periods due to poor access to primary care,” she says.

“By enhancing primary care, the ACT becomes more attractive to healthcare professionals, easing pressure on emergency services and ultimately providing better care for Canberrans.”