GPs Proved They Are the Heart of the Health System in 2025

GPs Proved They Are the Heart of the Health System in 2025

18 Dec 2025

A Year Marked by Tragedy and Solidarity

This year began with tragedy at Bondi Beach, where an attack on the Jewish community shocked the nation. Dr Wright expressed his condolences, highlighting the courage of first responders and the importance of supporting patients, colleagues, and communities in difficult times.

Leading the Profession

In his first year as RACGP President, Dr Wright saw just how central general practice is to Australia’s health system. GPs provided over 172 million services, reaching 90% of Australians, and 80% of patients have a preferred GP. Despite increasing complexity, mental health and chronic disease pressures, patient satisfaction remains high.

However, challenges persist. While demand grows, funding for general practice has not kept pace, and hospitals continue to consume a large share of health spending, leaving preventive care under-resourced.

Advocacy and Achievements

2025 saw major progress for the profession:

Launch of the RACGP five-year strategic plan focusing on training, workforce, technology, and general practice leadership.

Record GP training numbers and renewed accreditation from the Australian Medical Council.

$660 million in government support for GP trainee wages, leave entitlements, and new training places.

Reforms in women’s health, ADHD care, and recognition of rural generalists as a specialty.

Securing payroll tax exemptions for GPs in Queensland.

Dr Wright also addressed challenges, including tensions over the new bulk-billing incentive program, defending the clinical and financial autonomy of practices.

Highlights of the Year

Positive moments included visiting practices across Australia, witnessing registrars’ excitement, attending fellowship ceremonies, and seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs lead culturally safe care initiatives. Partnerships like the RACGP’s MoU with NACCHO reinforced commitment to culturally appropriate healthcare.

Looking Ahead

2026 promises further changes: expanding GP scope, integrating digital tools and AI scribes, managing an ageing population, and adapting to new healthcare models. Dr Wright emphasised that general practice must remain central to health reform, keeping people well and preventing unnecessary hospital visits.

A Message to GPs

Dr Wright concluded by thanking GPs for their dedication and reminding them that the RACGP will continue to fight for proper funding, recognition, and respect. “Two million Australians see us every week. They trust us because we earn that trust every day,” he said.

He expressed pride in Australia’s diverse GP workforce and optimism for a stronger, brighter future for general practice in 2026.

Source: RACGP

 

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