GP Practices Seeing Some Relief, But Bills Still a Challenge
29 Jan 2026
A survey by the Hunter New England Central Coast PHN looked at 189 practices from July to October 2025. Key findings:
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7% reported losing money over a three-month period.
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16% could not easily pay for basic upgrades, like a vaccine fridge.
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60% said they could cover these costs, up from 43% in 2024.
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33% of practices said they struggled to pay bills, down from 50% in 2024.
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Staff retention improved slightly. 83% of practices now have at least one GP with open books, up from 75%.
Workforce remains a challenge. Three in ten clinics said they would be in trouble if a GP or registrar took three months’ leave without replacement. More than half (55%) said hiring and keeping staff is still difficult, though this is better than 2024.
Associate Professor Rashmi Sharma from RACGP said fewer practices are struggling, but a third still face financial stress. She suggested higher rebates for longer consultations and better support for admin work.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Hunter New England & Central Coast PHN
