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Canberra celebrates future GP boost
While the RACGP is celebrating a 26% jump in future GPs in the ACT, it says investment is needed to increase training capacity.
Nationally, 1772 doctors are training to become specialist GPs in the RACGP’s AGPT Program.
A record-breaking 29 doctors have started their general practice training in Canberra, but the RACGP says with more funding, even more could join the profession.
The 29 doctors participating in the Commonwealth-funded Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program represents a 26% jump compared to 2025, while a further 18 eligible applicants missed out on a place.
The future GP boost comes at a time when Canberra has the lowest rate of GPs per person of any capital city, including 23% fewer than Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the increase is a ‘promising start’, but more investment is needed to further bolster GP numbers.
‘It’s a win, and it’s the start Canberra needs to grow its general practice workforce,’ she said.
‘Now, we need to build on it. We’ve put forward well-targeted investments the ACT Government should include in its next Budget to grow the primary care workforce its constituents need.
‘This will reduce pressure on Canberra’s hospitals, grow its GP workforce, and help everyone access the general practice care they deserve.’
Those investment asks are included in the RACGP’s ACT pre-Budget submission, which is calling for:
- investment in GP supervision to increase training capacity via financially protected teaching time and support payments
- general practice registrar retention bonuses to encourage those who train in Canberra to stay
- an ACT exam fee subsidy to reduce financial barriers.
‘Canberra is a fantastic city to live and work in, but anyone who’s been to a hospital here knows it needs solutions,’ Dr Hoffman said.
‘The
investments and payroll tax changes the ACT Government has already made are a great start, but with Canberra’s rapid growth and an ageing population that needs more chronic care, there’s no substitute for a GP who knows you and your history.
‘Our capital should be a destination of choice for future GPs – this ACT Budget is a unique opportunity to train the sustainable GP workforce Canberra deserves.’
Nationally,
1772 doctors are training to become specialist GPs in the RACGP’s AGPT program, 19% more than 2025.
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