Courtney Houssos
Minister for Finance
Minister for Natural Resources

Yasmin Catley
Member for Swansea
Minister for the Hunter

David Harris
Member for Wyong
Minister for the Central Coast

NSW Government moves to save General Practice

Hunter and Central Coast GPs clinics could benefit after the NSW Government announced it will
pause payroll tax audits for 12 months.

There will also be a 12 month pause on tax penalties and interest accrued on outstanding payroll tax
debts incurred before and at the commencement of the 12-month period.

The move will ensure practices can continue to serve their community and will allow for ongoing
consultation with GPs, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Australian Medical
Association to find a long-term solution.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley and Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris welcomed
the plan which was announced today by Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos.

Local practices already face rising costs due to the former federal Liberal Government’s decision to
freeze rebates.

The NSW Government acknowledges further cost pressures could put pressure on GPs and alreadystretched hospital emergency departments.

Any threat to healthcare accessibility and bulk-billing rates is a concern and that is why this
Government has acted.

The pause to payroll tax audits will be implemented through an amendment to the Revenue, Fines
and Other Legislation Bill.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos:

“This matter is historic and dates back to before 2018. Its resolution has been hampered by multiple
court hearings and the neglect of the previous Coalition Government. We understand this neglect
has created great uncertainty in the GP community."

“That is why we will need time to satisfactorily resolve the matter."

“We also want time to assess the effects of the bulk-billing changes being introduced federally by
the Albanese Government.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Swansea and Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Many of our GP practices are small, family-run businesses, and our area already has one of the
lowest bulk-billing rates in the state."

“This is an important announcement for local clinics and patients."

“Everyone knows there’s a crisis in retaining GPs in regional areas. This will help doctors in our
region.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wyong and Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

“This is a win for the Coast, we can’t afford to lose our essential services and we can’t afford extra
pressure on our hospital system."

“I know our community relies on affordable and accessible healthcare, that’s why rebuilding and
restoring our essential services is a priority for this government.”