Over 2,100 junior doctors will be offered a Commonwealth funded GP training place in 2028, a record number of places for doctors in GP training.
Under the Albanese Government, more doctors have joined the Australian health system than at any time in the past decade. Doctor registrations jumped from 6,200 when we came to Government in 2022, to more 10,300 in 2025-26.
Applications for the 2027 training year have been extremely strong. More than 2,000 Commonwealth-funded GP training places will be delivered again in 2027.
The program is delivered by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and provides three to four years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) training for registrars to gain registration as a specialist GP or rural generalist.
At least 50% of new GPs under the program will be training as rural GPs and Rural Generalists, which will support people in rural areas to access primary care.
These places complement the Albanese Government’s commitment to support our new GPs with incentive payments that make it more attractive for junior doctors to train as GPs.
The new incentive payments commenced from Semester 1, 2026, and include $30,000 salary incentives, and payments to support eligible registrars to take study and parental leave.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government is delivering a record number of GP training places year on year, growing the GP workforce in areas that need them most.
“GPs play a vital role in the health of our nation and our investment is backing more doctors to train and remain practising in communities right across Australia.
“We are strengthening our Medicare system to give Australians access to high quality and affordable health care when and where they need it.”
Quotes attributable to RACGP President Dr Michael Wright:
“This is fantastic news for patients and the future of general practice in Australia. The Australian Government’s investment in GP training is delivering real results, with the RACGP training record numbers of future specialist GPs and demand for training places stronger than ever.
“Every Australian deserves access to high-quality care from a GP who knows them and their medical history. These additional training places are another important step towards making that a reality.
“We’re particularly delighted to see more rural training places. Growing our specialist GP and Rural Generalist workforce means more Australians, no matter where they live, can access care that helps them live longer, healthier lives.”
Quotes attributable to ACCRM President Dr Rod Martin:
“ACRRM welcomes the Commonwealth’s investment in a record 2,100 training places for 2028.
“With at least half dedicated to Rural Generalist and rural GP training, this investment supports the sustained strong growth ACRRM has experienced in demand for training.
“The $30,000 incentive provides valuable encouragement for doctors choosing rural medicine.
“We look forward to working with the Government to expand opportunities for doctors to train where they are most needed.”
