More GPs in Australia, but funding pressures remain the same
21 Oct 2026
The RACGP’s Health of the Nation 2026 report, published on 21 October, looks at changes in GP numbers, patients’ ability to access care and the financial pressures on medical practices across Australia.
The report recorded 30,476 full-time equivalent GPs in Australia in 2025, up from 29,976 the previous year.
Access to care also improved. Almost all surveyed patients said they could get a GP appointment when needed. The share of patients who could see their usual or preferred GP rose from 64% to 67%.
GPs given more than 171 million healthcare services to over 22.9 million people across Australia. In the previous years.
Despite these gains, running a general practice remains challenging. The RACGP survey found that 82% of practice owners were concerned about rising operating costs. At the same time, hospital spending was rising faster than funding for general practice.
Government funding for general practice totalled $13.4 billion in the 2024–25 financial year.RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said investment needed to grow alongside demand, especially as more patients required care for chronic illnesses, complex conditions and mental health issues.
GP retirement and training needs remain a concern
The survey showed that around one in three GPs were considering retirement in the next five years.However, more GPs were encouraging medical students to consider general practice as a career.
Interest in GP training also exceeded the number of government-funded places available in 2026, with applications outnumbering supported positions.
Since responsibility for GP training returned to the medical colleges in 2023, the RACGP has continued to expand its training programs. It is seeking additional funding to train local doctors and international medical graduates.
The college is also asking for support for a new training pathway, led by the RACGP, to prepare doctors to enter GP training from 2027.
Dr Wright said general practice had moved forward, but ongoing funding was essential to support doctors, meet rising demand and ensure Australians could continue to access quality healthcare.
The report's theme for 2026, General practice at the heart of a thriving health system, highlights the importance of GPs within Australia's healthcare system.
More GPs in Australia, but funding pressures remain the same
Source: RACGP, Health of the Nation 2026.