Bulk-billed GP services on Tasmania’s West Coast will expand under a new TassieDoc deal with Ochre Health, the state government has announced.
The provider will deliver 20,000 extra bulk-billed appointments a year across four practices in Queenstown, Strahan, Rosebery and Zeehan.
It will also extend operating hours, add weekend openings, expand telehealth coverage to 24/7 and run a patient transport service to help people reach appointments.
Ochre Health was selected after an expression of interest process assessed by an expert panel against criteria including clinical capability, service sustainability and demonstrated community need.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the rollout delivered on a Liberal election commitment to invest in primary care in areas of identified need.
“Although primary healthcare is an Australian Government responsibility, the Tasmanian Government is providing targeted support to deliver timely, affordable care for Tasmanians in their local communities,” Archer said.
“This will ensure Tasmanians on the West Coast have great access to affordable healthcare, so they can get the right care, at the right place at the right time.”
Archer said the deal would also boost nursing and weekend services.
“Our investment will also deliver increased GP clinic operating hours at Ochre Health, including new weekend openings, expand telehealth coverage 24/7 and extend nursing services,” she said.
She said the rollout responded to the unique geography of the region.
“We know there are access challenges specific to the West Coast region due to its dispersed population, which is why we will support Ochre Health to introduce a patient transportation option to help patients get to their appointments,” Archer said.
The announcement is the second TassieDoc site to be confirmed since the 2025 state election, following grants to the Deloraine and Westbury Medical Centres on April 26.
TassieDoc was originally a Labor election policy proposing state-run bulk-billing clinics. The Liberals matched the commitment during the campaign and went on to form government.
Labor has criticised the rollout so far, arguing the model has shifted from purpose-built state-run clinics to grants for existing private operators.
Four further election sites – in the Huon Valley, Legana, Bicheno and Latrobe – are yet to be announced.
The government said more announcements would be made in coming weeks.
