The RACGP has called for a permanent seat at the table in future pandemic planning, saying GPs have a unique perspective that would have helped in the current crisis.

In a submission to a Senate inquiry on the government response to the pandemic, the college argues it should be given a place on the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

This is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies, made up of all state and territory chief health officers and chaired by the chief medical officer.

RACGP President Dr Harry Nespolon says GPs have not been properly embedded in pandemic response planning, and the COVID-19 crisis has revealed shortfalls such as a lack of protective personal equipment (PPE).