NT launches new GP training model for rural communities

NT launches new GP training model for rural communities

29 Apr 2026

The program, announced by Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler, will begin in June 2026 and support up to 24 full-time Rural Generalists training in Katherine and the Big Rivers region.

Under the model, GP registrars will stay employed by the NT Government during their training instead of changing employers every few months when moving between clinics and hospitals.

The doctors will work across local general practices, Aboriginal Health Services and Katherine Hospital while receiving stable pay and benefits such as annual leave, parental leave and sick leave.

Training partners in the region include Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Katherine West Health Board Aboriginal Corporation and Bauhinia Health.

The RACGP has welcomed the trial, saying it could help improve GP recruitment in the Territory.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said long-term investment is still needed to fix workforce shortages across the NT.

He said sustainable solutions require more GP supervisors, more training positions and stronger support for practices providing teaching and training.

The college also said SEM programs should continue to be reviewed to measure how well they improve workforce shortages and encourage doctors to stay in general practice.

The announcement comes as concerns grow about the loss of private GP clinics in remote NT communities.

RACGP NT Chair Dr Sam Heard said towns including Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek have recently lost private general practice services, while Katherine is struggling to keep its remaining clinic operating.

He warned that when communities lose local GP clinics, pressure increases on hospitals and access to ongoing healthcare becomes more difficult for residents.

The NT SEM trial will run until December 2028.

 
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
 
Source: newsGP

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