Background

To support the ongoing development of general practice and Divisions of General Practice, the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has provided funding to support innovative projects which aim to improve general practice, aspects of primary care and which have strategic implications for the Divisions of General Practice.  Special significance was placed on projects of national significance.

Australians Division of General Practice Ltd (ADGP) was contracted to provide a secretariat for the assessment process and to manage the ongoing administration of the Pool.

The Innovations Funding Pool has funded projects in two rounds.  Round One projects commenced from July / August 1999 and were due for completion by December 2001.  Round two projects commenced onwards from July 2000 and are due for completion at various time up to December 2002.

ADGP welcomes enquiries about innovative activities being undertaken by Divisions.  However, enquiries concerning the specific content and details of the projects should be directed to or made with the Divisions concerned.  Attached is a list of funded projects.

The Department of Health and Ageing has advised that there will not be third round of the Innovations Funding Pool in the 2002 calendar year due to budgetary constraints and to enable all projects from the first and second rounds to be completed.  This will allow more time for assessment of the lessons learned from existing projects.  During the remainder of 2002, ADGP will be working closely with all the Divisions to complete the current projects and to promote dissemination and sharing of successful projects.

In 2001, the Divisions Standing Committee of the General Practice Partnership Advisory Council provided advice to the department on future options and models for the Innovations Funding Pool.  This work will be taken into consideration in future decisions about the Innovations Funding Pool beyond 2002.

If you have any queries about the above advice, please contact the Grants Program Administrator on 02 6251 3380 or email adgpreception@adgp.com.au .

Contact:
Australian Divisions of General Practice Ltd
PO BOX 4308
Manuka Australian Capital Territory
Australia 2603
Email: adgpreception@adgp.com.au
Phone: (02) 6228 0800
Fax: (02) 6228 0899