RACGP announces next President

Sydney GP Dr Michael Wright has been named the next President of the RACGP, after the final votes were counted on Thursday.
 
Speaking to newsGP just moments after he was informed of the election’s results, Dr Wright said he was feeling ‘overwhelmed and excited’.
 
‘It’s such an honour to have been elected by the members, and such a privilege to take over from Nicole [Higgins], whom I’ve worked closely with, and [Immediate Past President] Karen Price before her,’ he said.
 
‘I’m looking forward to making some real gains and building on the foundations that they’ve set.
 
‘We’ve got some real challenges for the profession and for our patients and in maintaining access and support for high-quality general practice care.
 
‘And I’m really grateful for the membership for putting their faith in me to deal with these challenges for them and for the RACGP.’

Dr Wright is the long-time Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform and Chief Medical Officer at Avant Mutual, as well as working as a health economist, researcher and health policy leader.
 
He has also been central to the RACGP’s advocacy efforts of reforming general practice funding.
 
But ‘first and foremost’, he is a GP.
 
‘I’m very proud to be representing all the GPs from around the country,’ Dr Wright said.
 
In his candidate statement, he vowed to continue the push for an urgent increase in primary care funding, including targeted MBS rebates for patients who most need them, and the GPs who provide their care.
 
Implementing strategic, system-wide initiatives to support the current workforce and secure the future workforce, are also high on the next President’s agenda.
 
Current RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins congratulated Dr Wright.  
 
‘I’m pleased to be handing over the role of RACGP President to Michael, who is a well-respected leader and tireless advocate for general practice,’ Dr Higgins said. 
 
‘The RACGP is committed to supporting the exceptional work of GPs across the country.
 
‘I have full confidence that Dr Wright will be a strong and passionate leader, continuing the important work of the RACGP in advancing general practice.’
 
Come November when Dr Higgins’ two-year term comes to an end, the new President will begin his tenure at a critical time in general practice as the RACGP’s advocacy work continues.
 
‘GPs are needed now more than ever, as Australia’s population is ageing and we face an epidemic of chronic illness and mental health issues,’ Dr Higgins said.
 
‘The Federal Government needs to invest in general practice care to ensure all Australians can afford to see a GP when they need to, and that we have enough GPs in every community.’ 
 
A total of 7105 votes for the President election were cast, with Dr Wright receiving a primary vote of 2033, and a total of 3607 after preferences. The full notice of results is available on the RACGP website.
 
Dr Wright said he is excited about what lays ahead.
 
‘I’ve tried to consult widely during my election campaign, and I hope that transparency and openness continues, so that all our members feel part of the solution that the college is driving at, and also that we feel enabled to advocate in our practices on behalf of our profession,’ he said.
 
‘I’m really looking forward to working with the [RACGP] Board and management to place the profession and the college back at the heart of the health system.’
 
Dr Wright will officially take on the role of RACGP President at the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 21 November at GP24.
 
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