The Federal Government’s proposed withdrawal of funding for the Albany GP After Hours Collaborative is deeply concerning and will place significant additional pressure on the already stretched Emergency Department at Albany Health Campus.
Supported by local GP practices, the service, which operates on weekends and public holidays, has been a critical part of the local health system, diverting thousands of non-urgent patients away from ED each year. In 2025 alone, 2,329 patients were treated at the clinic without needing to attend Emergency, with only 65 patients requiring referral to ED, all for less than $500,000 per year.
Without this service, Albany will be left with no after-hours GP alternative, forcing more patients into an already under-pressure hospital system.
This comes as the Federal Government transitions funding toward Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. While intended to address gaps in access to urgent care in regional and remote areas, Albany and the Great Southern have been overlooked. Of the 14 clinics either operating or proposed across Western Australia, only three are located in regional areas — Bunbury, Broome and Geraldton.
Member for Albany Scott Leary said the decision highlights a clear imbalance.
“Cutting a proven, cost-eAective service in Albany while funding new clinics elsewhere simply doesn’t make sense,” Mr Leary said.
“With winter approaching, this risks worsening congestion and wait times at our hospital.”
Mr Leary said he has raised the issue with the relevant Federal Minister, as well as the State Minister for Health, Meredith Hammat, calling for urgent action.
“Funding must be extended beyond June 2026 to ensure this service continues until a replacement model is in place,” he said.
“Albany already has a model that works, it should be supported, not shut down.”