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General practice compliance costs

Commissioned study

This study has concluded. The research report was released on 11 April 2003.

On 5 July 2002, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a research study examining the administrative and compliance costs associated with Commonwealth programs that impact on general practice, and to report within seven months.

During the study the Productivity Commission wrote to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, seeking an extension to the reporting date. The extension was requested to allow for the time required to consult widely with interested parties, obtain the information necessary to complete the study, release a progress report on the results and ideas for reducing compliance costs, and give interested parties sufficient time to respond to the Progress Report. The Parliamentary Secretary granted an extension to 31 March 2003, after consulting with the Minister for Health and Ageing.

The Commission was required to consult widely and report on ways in which these costs may be reduced.

The Commission encouraged interested parties to express their views and contribute to this study. The study was of particular interest to:

  • individual General Practitioners (GPs)
  • GP representative bodies
  • health consumer groups
  • Commonwealth agencies and departments responsible for the policies and programs that impose administrative and compliance costs on GPs
  • State, Territory and Local government health-related agencies and departments.

This list was not exhaustive. Other individuals and organisations with an interest in this study were encouraged to participate.

Study process

The Commission set up an advisory committee with representatives of GP organisations and relevant Commonwealth Government agencies and departments to provide advice and feedback to the Commission through two roundtable discussions during the study (in August and December 2002).

The Commission has also met with various Commonwealth Government agencies and departments and GP organisations, and has conducted focus group discussions, a pilot survey and individual case studies.

The Commissioned employed three consultants to provide information to assist the Commission with its study. Five reports were produced.

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Draft report

The draft report for this project is not available online.

Please note: The draft report is for research purposes only. For final outcomes of this study refer to the research report.

Request a draft report

Key documents