Policy development to support nursing in Australian general practice: an overview.

There has been a groundswell of change, which has increased the profile and diversity of the role for nurses working in general practice. The need for change has been driven by the requirement to deliver quality, safe health care services in an environment that is complex and increasingly under pressure. Australian government initiatives have played an important part in shaping the role for the general practice nurse and supporting a team based approach to care in general practice. Professional groups have also played a key role in advocating for change and supporting new initiatives to enhance and promote community health and wellbeing.