Twelve new trainee General Practitioners (GPs) have started across Tasmania as part of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s innovative GP training model aimed at boosting the number of doctors in rural and regional areas. The trainees – five in the North, three in the North West and four in the South – began their placements in general practice last month, providing a boost to rural and regional primary health services. They are part of the Single Employer Model pilot, which is a partnership between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments designed to make a career in rural general practice a more attractive option, supported by a $12.97 million co-investment. As part of the pilot, GP trainees have the choice of being employed by the Tasmanian Liberal Government throughout their training rotations which reduces key barriers to recruiting and retaining the next generation of GPs. By having a single contract and employer throughout their training, GPs can access the same salary and leave entitlements – including annual leave, parental leave and sick leave – as their hospital-based peers. The employment model also allows for a seamless transition between hospital and GP placements. Last month’s cohort of Single Employer Model GPs follows the first five GP trainees who began placements under the pilot in July 2023. “We know there are challenges with accessing a GP in rural and regional parts of Tasmania, which is why we have proudly partnered with the Australian Government on this innovative pilot to make rural general practice more attractive for trainee doctors considering a career in this area,” said Minister for Health, Guy Barnett. “The innovative employment model is about encouraging more doctors to become rural GPs by providing job security throughout their training, while also strengthening Tasmania’s rural and regional workforce in the long-term. “Our Government warmly welcomes the twelve new GP trainees who have started across the State under this Australia-first pilot and are set to play an important role strengthening their communities by helping more people get the primary healthcare they need.” Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler, welcomed the development. “Improving access to health care across Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas, is a key priority for the Albanese Government,” he said. “The Single Employer Model is a win-win for doctors and patients. By providing more certainty to GP trainees, we can address key barriers to attracting and retaining doctors in regions where they are needed the most.” | 
