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What does the RACGP’s plan for general practice mean for you?

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‘The next five years will be crucial for general practice and for the future health of Australia.’
 
That is according to RACGP President Dr Michael Wright as he launched the college’s 2025–29 Strategy.
 
Approved by the RACGP Board last month, the strategy recognises the need for healthcare reform, with the college outlining the key steps required to position both itself and general practice for long-term success.
 
It focuses on four key pillars, underpinned by a contemporary and sustainable college:

• An outstanding Fellowship
• A flourishing GP workforce
• A future-ready profession
• General practice at the heart of the health system

Dr Wright said the strategy establishes a clear direction to secure the future of general practice care for all Australians, ‘regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic status’.
 
‘We know that patients have better health outcomes when they’re treated by a regular GP who knows them, and their history,’ he told newsGP.
 
‘But our work as GPs often goes unnoticed and that’s because we do the preventive care and long-term work that stops health problems reaching crisis point.

‘However, that doesn’t mean we should be taken for granted.’
 
Dr Wright said more people than ever are relying on general practice care – but with the added challenges of an ageing population and increased caseload of complex, chronic conditions.
 
‘This is further compounded by years of under-investment in Medicare, with patients facing increasing out-of-pocket costs in a cost-of-living crisis,’ he said.
 
‘So there has never been a more important time to advocate for general practice.
 
‘As a college, we represent more than 50,000 members from communities across the country, and our priority is working hard every day to serve each and every one of our hardworking GPs and their patients.’
 
RACGP Board Chair, Dr Sian Goodson, said the college is determined to lead a new era in general practice care and that the plan is a ‘positive step’ towards achieving that goal.
 
‘Our strategy builds on the strong foundations established at the college, with a focus toward a sustainable and successful future for general practice care,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘We have outlined four key areas of focus needed to drive this positive change, starting with an outstanding Fellowship that is underpinned by compelling member support.
 
‘Further to that, a flourishing GP workforce that will thrive with the help of flexible, outcome-based education and training, and a profession that is future-ready, prepared to embrace innovative, new technologies.’
 
However, to achieve all this and ensure general practice is at the heart of the health system, Dr Goodson said there is a need for Governments to support the sector, in the form of adequate funding.
 
She said there is no denying there are many problems plaguing Australia’s health system, and that general practice is the solution to many of them.
 
‘But to be that solution, to relieve the pressures being faced, and to position both the college and broader field of general practice for long-term, sustained success, we need change – and now is the time,’ Dr Goodson said.
 
As well as setting out the long-term direction and goals of the RACGP, the strategy also outlines the college’s priorities.
 
Dr Goodson said this is vital to ensure transparency around who is responsible for what, including specific actions, timelines and resources to deliver on the college’s promises.  
 
‘This will not only assist the college in our fight for members, it will also boost general practice care and ensure all patients can access timely and affordable care,’ she said.
 
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Fellowship general practice GP workforce RACGP 2025-29 Strategy RACGP Board

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