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In Practice: Close the Gap Day event
The RACGP will host a member event to support strengthening primary care through community controlled models.
To mark National Close the Gap Day, the RACGP will host an event for members to support strengthening primary care through community controlled models.
This week’s In Practice also includes details about the latest edition of the mental health training standards for GPs, opportunities to be part of GP-led research, and upcoming events for Tasmanian GPs.
National Close the Gap Day
Webinar: Thursday 19 March, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1 hour EA and 1 hour RP (optional)
Cost: Free for RACGP members
Register online
RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health invites all members to join a free National Close the Gap Day webinar exploring why Aboriginal community controlled health organisations (ACCHOs) are recognised leaders in delivering models of care that improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This session will provide GP insights into the ACCHO model of care and outline practical approaches GPs can apply in their own practice settings. Learn how to build on existing strengths to enhance cultural safety, deepen continuity of care, and contribute to improved health equity for all patients.
National Close the Gap Day is recognised each year on the third Thursday of March, to focus on meaningful action towards health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
GPMHSC 2026–28 Standards
The General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC) is responsible for development of the Mental health training standards: A guide for GPs, as part of the Better Access Initiative. The GPMHSC has now released the 2026–28 edition to the Standards, with the most up-to-date research and information.
The guide is a clear and concise resource designed to help GPs quickly and easily find information about mental health training and education to be eligible to access general practice mental health item numbers under the Better Access Initiative.
It also includes a concise list of recommended mental health topics for reference when searching and selecting courses in Mental Health CPD and Focussed Psychological Strategies CPD.
More information, the new Standards and other mental health related resources, are available on the GPMHSC website.
Help shape the future of GP-led research in Australia
The RACGP is inviting members who are passionate about general practice research to join the Foundation Awards Panel.
Panel members review applications alongside patients, people with lived experience, cultural experts and research academics to help decide which GP-led research is funded. GP insights help to ensure research is relevant, practical, and delivers real world impact for patients and communities.
Find out more and apply now.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs updates
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and Services Australia have released new online training resources to help health providers submit claims more accurately and efficiently, enabling receipt of quicker payments for services provided under DVA arrangements.
The DVA’s new eLearning, infographics and interactive simulations support accurate and confident claiming for Medicare and DVA clients.
GPs can find out more about the new interactive simulation and training module online.
RACGP Tasmania events
RACGP Tasmania has a series of upcoming member events to upskill in family and domestic violence, pelvic health, as well as meet local college leaders.
Peer group learning: Supporting patients in domestic violence situations
Date: Tuesday 10 March, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Venue: RACGP, 62 Patrick Street, Hobart
Cost: Free for RACGP members
Register online
The first session for 2026 is in recognition of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Balance the Scales’, highlighting the need to ensure fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
Guest speaker Alina Thomas, CEO of Engender Equality, will outline the Primary Care Family and Sexual Violence pilot program, the importance of specific framework and effective documentation, and how GPs and other practice staff can seek support after a consultation with a victim-survivor.
Board meet and greet
Date: Wednesday 25 March, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Venue: RACGP, 62 Patrick Street, Hobart
Cost: Free for RACGP members
Register online
Dr Toby Gardner, RACGP Tasmania Chair, and members of the RACGP Board will host an evening of updates on national initiatives and local advocacy. This is an opportunity for RACGP members to meet and network with their faculty council, share experiences, represent their practices and amplify the voice of members.
Pelvic health training
As New Zealand’s only specialist physiotherapist in pelvic health, Dr Melissa Davidson’s courses for GPs and nurses are in high demand across Australia and New Zealand. Following requests by Tasmanian GPs, she has scheduled courses across the weekend of 21–22 March. More information and links to register are below.
Introduction to pessary fitting
One day of theory on-demand and one day practical in-person
Date: Saturday 21 March, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm
Cost: $1595
Speculum workshop
Three-hour practical in-person
Date: Sunday 22 March, 8.00–11.00 am
Cost: $295
Advanced pessary fitting
One-day practical in person
Date: Sunday 22 March, 11.30 am – 5.30 pm
Cost: $795
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Close the Gap GP-led research mental health training pelvic health Tasmania GPs veterans’ health
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