In late 2023 the Department of Health and Aged Care commenced a review of after-hours primary care policies and programs.
The After-Hours Review builds on several recent reforms and initiatives including the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, the development of the 10-Year Primary Health Care Plan, and widespread changes to after-hours services arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following a period of data and evidence analysis, the review is now in its consultation phase, and the department has released a survey and discussion paper on the departments consultation hub. The survey is aimed at primary care providers, including practice owners and managers; general practitioners; non-vocational doctors; nurses and nurse practitioners; primary health networks; and others working in primary care. Consumers are also welcome to complete the survey. The closing date for the survey and submissions is 20 April 2024.