Queensland Labor’s Plan for 50 State-Owned GP Clinics Fails to Impress Peak Medical Body

Labor says it will introduce 50 state-owned bulk billing clinics to the state, but medical groups say they just need more doctors.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles speaks at a press conference at an ambulance station on Bribie Island north of Brisbane, Australia, on Oct. 12, 2020. Jono Searle/Getty Images

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland has reacted with surprise to a $365 million (US$245 million) promise from state Premier Steven Miles to build 50 new bulk-billing GP clinics across Queensland.

AMA Queensland President Dr. Nick Yim said the move prompted concern that governments were failing to understand the challenges faced by GP clinics.