Meeting Frequency

The GPNLG meets four times a year, face to face, and monthly via teleconference. All members have rights to place items on the agenda.

A full copy of the GPNLG’s terms of reference can be downloaded below.

GPNLG Terms of Reference

Communication

Communication within the network has been a standing agenda item for the GPNLG. In 2005, the GPNLG developed and agreed to a set of communication principles that still stand as official documentation supporting the work of the GPNLG.

GPNLG Communication Principles

	AGPN and SBOs must work together to support divisions network members to enable divisions of general practice to focus on local matters of priority to their general practice constituents;
	AGPN and SBOs must not overlap with or duplicate either each other’s activities or the activities of Divisions;
	AGPN and SBOs must establish effective ongoing communication and consultation mechanisms with divisions to ensure they are aware of, and understand, the issues of priority to divisions and their constituents and are therefore able to represent these interests in an informed manner;
	AGPN and SBOs must provide regular and timely feedback to the network on matters of relevance to divisional activity and on the manner in which the AGPN/the SBO has represented their interests;
	AGPN should have in place mechanisms that provide timely advice to SBOs about National level negotiations that may have relevance at a State/Territory level;
	SBOs should have in place mechanisms that provide timely advice to AGPN about State level negotiations that may have relevance at a National level;
	AGPN and SBOs should inform each other when either party intends communicating with the other party’s constituents or partners;
	It is recognised that there is an opportunistic element to both AGPN’s and SBOs roles that may prevent these principles being adhered to at all times. Both AGPN and SBOs should ensure that appropriate communication with Divisions and stakeholders is undertaken at the earliest opportunity should this situation arise.

Network Members Communicating Nationally

The GPNLG has set a number of meeting dates for 2008. These face to face meeting dates are supported by monthly teleconferences to progress the business of the group, and to raise issues of operational and timely importance nationally.

GPNLG 2008 meeting dates

In addition to this website, the GPNLG’s terms of reference, communication protocols and principles, the GPNLG proposes the following communication mechanisms:

• Links to work, projects and positions statements to be available publically, on the AGPN website (links directly on each SBO website);
• Standing agenda item on the GPNLG agenda which identifies issues identified by network members;
• A clear process at a state level, lead by each SBOs enabling Divisions prior to each GPNLG meeting to identify potential agenda items of national importance or implication. Similarly, a process lead by SBOs in each state/ territory to lead policy discussions and network feedback on items of national importance prior to GPNLG meetings;
• Communiqués post each meeting to be released to network detailing items of discussion and key decisions made; - The AGPN Resource Centre to house the work - Policy / position papers/ project updates - developed by the Coalition for the information of all network members; and
• Identification of GPNLG projects promoted to the network.