More patients are accessing care, more doctors are entering GP training, and increased government investment is delivering results for Australia’s healthcare system, according to the RACGP’s latest Health of the Nation 2026 report.
The report, set to be launched on 28 October, found that 99% of Australians were able to see a GP when they needed to, and more people were able to see their preferred GP than in previous years. It also highlighted continued growth in Australia’s GP workforce, with more full-time GPs working across Australia in 2025, and record participation in RACGP training programs.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the findings show the value of recent investments in general practice in growing the GP workforce so that Australians have better access to the high-quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history.
“With more than 171 million health services delivered last year specialist general practitioners really are at the heart of Australia’s health system, and the 2026 Health of the Nation report outlines several strong reasons to be optimistic about the future,” Dr Wright said.
“The report shows the vast majority of Australians reported they can now see a GP when they need one, and more people are able to see their usual GP when they needed to than in previous years.
“And despite the report’s indication that around one third of GPs are considering retiring in the next five years, there has been an increase in GPs who are optimistic about the future of the profession, with a rise in those recommending it as a future career path to medical students.
“We’re also training more GPs than ever before and more and more of our current GPs are recommending general practice as a career to medical students. In 2026, there were more applications for GP training than places funded by the Federal Government, and the number of doctors entering RACGP training programs continues to rise, with 1725 doctors in 2026, up from 1544 in 2025. That’s great news for patients and communities across Australia.”
Government spending on general practice increased to $13.4 billion in 2024–25. Dr Wright said this investment was improving access to care and strengthening confidence across the profession.
“We know funding general practice gets results. When you value GPs, they are happier, more productive, and better placed to protect the health of Australian communities,” he said.
“When governments invest in general practice, they provide certainty for practices, patients, and the future GP workforce.
“But rising operating costs and growing patient complexity mean governments cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal.
“While it’s encouraging to see funding moving in the right direction, the cost of running a practice continues to rise. The report revealed that 82% of GP practice owners nominated increasing business costs as a main challenge.
“Governments must ensure investment in general practice keeps pace with the needs of patients and the realities of delivering care to communities with more chronic, complex illness, and more mental health concerns.
“General practice remains the most cost-effective part of Australia’s health system and the best investment governments can make in the health of individuals, families and communities.
“The future of general practice is bright, and sustained investment from the Government will ensure every Australian can continue to access high-quality care from a GP who knows them and their history.”
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