Preparing for 2026.2

As we draw closer to the end of 2026.1, take a moment to check that end-of-term assessments have been conducted and commence introducing plans for your registrar's exit. As part of the exit plan, ensure there is a clinical handover of patients, keys are returned, registrar results are checked and actioned, and inboxes are emptied. Place an out-of-office on the registrar inbox and an automatic forward to ensure nothing is missed.

To assist with preparations for 2026.2, a new resource has been developed to assist practice managers with term preparation: ‘Preparing for your registrar – a practice managers' checklist’. The checklist can be found in the TMS under ‘Forms, Documents & Links’ in the top left of the screen. The checklist is stored under practice manager resources. Working through the checklist will ensure a smooth induction process for both the practice and registrar.
 
Bek Hooley
Practice Manager Liaison Officer NSW/ACT

2027 placement timeline and priority placements

As the 2026.2 placement process continues to be finalised, we are sharing the 2027 placement timeline to help you prepare for the next cycle. Please review the key dates early to support preparation for the 2027 placement cycle.  

The RACGP has a priority placements process for both community and registrar needs. These may include:  

• community needs (eg MM 6–7 and incentivised placements)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars and community-controlled placements, supported through culturally safe, partnership-based arrangements aligned with the principles of self-determination and trauma-informed care
• other registrar needs (eg ADF registrars, Rural Generalist registrars, registrars on remediation, or registrars with specific personal or learning requirements).

Orientation checklists

A reminder that three tailored resources are available to support orientation, including:

• a checklist for practice managers to use before a placement, including provider number and Medicare paperwork reminders, contracts and practice system setup
• an orientation checklist for practices with GPT1 registrars, incorporating the Early Assessment for Safety and Learning and a suggested two-day orientation timeline
• an orientation checklist for practices with GPT2, GPT3 and extended skills registrars, recommending at least the first half day of the placement be dedicated to orientation.

The checklists also incorporate suggestions from the GP Registrar Wellbeing Project and include a reminder about discussing AI tools with registrars.
 
All checklists can be downloaded and adapted to suit your practice. They're available in the training management system under 'AGPT Supervisor Resources' and on our website.

Education calendars are now available

The 2026.2 registrar out-of-practice education calendars are now available on our website and in the TMS. To access them in the TMS, go to ‘Quick Links and Subscriptions’ and select ‘Practice Manager Resources’.

Event dates vary by location. Your local training team will provide information relevant to your registrar.  

NTCER 2026–28 update

The review of the National Terms and Conditions for the Employment of Registrars (NTCER) has been finalised, with agreement reached between General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) and General Practice Supervision Australia (GPSA).

The updated NTCER (Version 2026–02) will apply from 2026.2.

Key updates include:

• annual registrar remuneration increases aligned with MBS indexation
• greater flexibility in administration time, with GPT3 registrars able to reduce administration time to 15 minutes per session and GPT4 registrars able to eliminate it at their discretion
• access to unpaid cultural leave may be available to registrars by agreement with their practice (noting this may affect training time)
• substituted public holidays in line with the National Employment Standards
• orientation within ordinary rostered hours
• clearer guidance on workload expectations, referencing training provider patient-per-hour guidance.

Registrar incentive payments available from 2026

Three government incentive payments are available from 2026 to support registrars in their transition from the hospital sector to GP training.

GPT1 salary incentive: registrars undertaking their first six-month core general practice term may receive $5,000 (FTE) per month. 

Study leave incentive: up to five days (FTE) per training year for exam preparation and approved professional development, paid at NTCER base rates, plus 10% in lieu of billings, plus an amount equal to superannuation (12% as at July 2025).
Study leave must be arranged in advance as unpaid leave. Payments are made monthly in arrears and unused leave doesn’t accrue.

Parental leave incentive: primary carers can receive up to 20 weeks (FTE); secondary carers up to two weeks. The incentive is paid at the corresponding base rate in the NTCER, plus 10% in lieu of billings, plus an amount equal to superannuation (12% as at July 2025).

All payments are pro-rated for part-time registrars and are administered by the RACGP on behalf of Services Australia. Registrars are responsible for managing their own taxation and superannuation obligations.

Eligibility criteria are available via the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s GP Training Incentive Payments webpage and the AGPT Registrar Handbook.

The Workforce Incentive Program

The Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) is an Australian Government initiative aimed at improving access to medical services in regional, rural and remote communities. This FAQ outlines program objectives, eligibility and payment arrangements, and explains how the incentive supports workforce retention and access to quality care in these areas. Access the WIP FAQ.  

Upcoming webinar – understanding Medicare

Fundamentals and compliance essentials for GPs

This webinar covers the key principles of Medicare, how the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing supports the sustainability of the system, and providers' legislative obligations.
 
It draws on key concepts from the Provider Handbook and compliance strategy and priorities. The session is designed primarily for GPs in training and providers new to the system, though all are welcome, including practice managers.
 
Webinar details:
15 July, 7.00 pm (AEST)
One hour of Educational Activities (EA) CPD
Register now

New resource: Recognising burnout during GP training

Burnout is something many GPs experience, and our registrars are especially vulnerable.

The RACGP Wellbeing Project has developed a new resource that explores the signs of burnout in GPs in training and offers practical strategies to navigate it during training.

View the resource

Evidence in practice

Can early assessments predict exam performance? 

Newly published research from General Practice Training Research (GPTR) examines whether assessments undertaken early in training can predict registrar performance in final RACGP Fellowship exams.  

This study looked at the relationship between performance in two early training assessments (a Key Feature Problem (KFP) test and a mini–Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and later exam outcomes.  

Key findings included: 

• stronger performance in early training assessments was significantly associated with stronger performance in final RACGP exams  

• higher scores in the KFP assessment undertaken early in training were significantly associated with passing all three Fellowship exams on the first attempt. 

Contact us

If you have any questions about the information in this newsletter, please contact your local training team.