Tuesday, 4 February 2025

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (14:38): It is great to have the chance to contribute on the first day back at Parliament for this year. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Harp medical centre in Kew East in the fantastic electorate of Kew along with Mr Batchelor. The Minister for Health in the other place, Ms Thomas, was there to announce the first 400 grants worth up to $40,000 for medical graduates who take up a career in general practice. We all know how important a GP is to our health. I have been lucky enough to have had the same GP for decades, and that relationship and understanding of your health can make a real, tangible difference in your life. For too long new doctors have not had the right incentives to enter a career as a general practitioner. This $32 million program addresses that, and we know it is making a difference, with 13 per cent of those taking up the grant moving to Victoria from interstate or overseas because of the program. Well done to everybody involved.