Call for government action as GP job satisfaction rises
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling on the Federal Government to accelerate the revival of general practice in Australia. The call comes after the RACGP’s Health of the Nation 2024 report revealed positive trends, including improved job satisfaction among GPs and increased recommendations for a career in general practice.
The Health of the Nation report, based on a nationwide survey of over 3,000 GPs and GPs in training, is the only annual report providing insights into general practice care in Australia. Key findings from the 2024 report include:
- General practice remains the most accessed health service in Australia, with more than 22 million people visiting a GP in 2023. Additionally, 54% of patients were able to see a GP within 24 hours when needed urgently.
- Job satisfaction among GPs has improved, with 73% expressing satisfaction compared to 66% in 2023. More GPs are also recommending general practice as a career, up from 38% in 2023 to 44% in 2024.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins emphasised the importance of immediate government action to support this positive trend. “I’m pleased to reveal early signs of a revival in Australian general practice. If the Federal Government acts now, they can accelerate this turnaround to get more GPs into communities, caring for patients,” Dr Higgins said. “The RACGP is on track to train a record number of GPs in 2025, reflecting this positive momentum.”
Dr Higgins highlighted the critical role of GPs in providing quality care. “There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history. Studies have shown patients who see the same GP are healthier and live longer. A strong general practice workforce is essential for a healthy Australia.”
The report also addressed the urgent need to expand the GP workforce to meet increasing patient demand, driven by an ageing population and rising chronic illness rates. The health department predicts a shortage of 5,560 GPs by 2033, underscoring the need for immediate action.
“We know funding gets results,” Dr Higgins continued. “We’re calling for government funding to train a further 100 GPs annually for five years to boost the workforce and implement a range of GP attraction and retention initiatives.”
The RACGP’s 2024 report also dispels myths about general practice, noting that it is the most accessed health service in Australia and plays a crucial role in keeping Australians out of hospitals. The report highlights the multidisciplinary nature of most practices, with GPs, practice nurses, and allied health professionals working together to provide comprehensive care.
Despite improvements, GP clinics remain under pressure due to decades of underinvestment and the Medicare freeze. While the tripling of bulk billing incentives for healthcare card holders, pensioners, and children has helped, more investment is needed.
“We need meaningful investment in patients’ rebates to make essential healthcare affordable for all Australians,” Dr. Higgins said. “We’re calling for a 20% increase to all Medicare rebates for 20-minute and longer consults, with additional increases for rural and remote communities.”
