It is a big-ticket item, and in an election year it should be scrutinised closely to ensure that, apart from providing training places at a suitable university, the funding helps ensure adequate training, mentoring and support for would-be GPs.

This is especially important in rural and regional communities, where there is very little peer support for doctors but an extremely high demand for their services.

Mr Rudd’s $632 million package must also be used to ensure the Government, and those responsible for administering its health programs, adequately and accurately matches these new GP positions to communities with the greatest need.

Delivering vital training for GPs in a regional location is one way to entice more doctors into regional and rural communities. And Bendigo, as one of Australia’s largest regional cities, is ideally placed to play a pivotal role.

For its part, the Victorian Government yesterday was quick to welcome the federal funding for more GPs, with premier John Brumby conceding it would help alleviate pressures on the hospital system. But the arm-wrestling over the provision of health services and reform of the health system goes on.

Mr Rudd’s push for major change has so far failed to convince any state government of its merits.

However, all that could change as more details emerge about the Prime Minister’s prescription for a better health system.

What do you think?

Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertise r.com.au