Increased GP numbers essential in the NT
16 Sep 2025
A range of incentives, including housing and childcare support, scholarship grants, and reduced red tape for international medical graduates, were discussed at the inaugural NT Rural & Remote Medicine Conference as ways to strengthen the Northern Territory’s general practice workforce.
Held in Darwin on Larrakia Country from 12–14 September, the conference focused on building a sustainable workforce by supporting existing doctors and attracting more registrars and GPs to regional and remote communities. The event was hosted by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia – NT Chapter, with the RACGP, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, NT PHN, Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing as partners and sponsors.
The conference brought together key primary care professionals from across Australia, including Assistant Minister for Rural Health, the Hon Emma McBride. Discussions covered workforce challenges, training capacity, Rural Generalist recognition, and clinical skills updates.
RACGP Northern Territory Provost, Associate Professor Emma Kennedy, highlighted the opportunities for GPs in the Territory and urged more junior doctors to consider working there.
“GPs are still sorely needed in regional and remote communities across the Territory, so boosting the GP workforce must be a priority,” she said. “Our remote communities, and regional centres like Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek, offer rewarding opportunities for GPs – sometimes they just need extra support to get there.”
RACGP Rural Chair, Associate Professor Michael Clements, stressed the need to simplify processes for international medical graduates, calling the current system a “bureaucratic headache.” He said streamlining applications is essential to attract overseas doctors to Australia.
Scholarship grants of $5,000–$20,000 are currently available to encourage GP registrars to train and work in the Territory. Associate Professor Kennedy noted that registrars are highly valued in rural and remote areas and enjoy a broad scope of practice.
This year, 52 registrars are training in the Northern Territory – a more than 30% increase from last year – including three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars. Associate Professor Kennedy said offers for 2026 are already ahead of schedule, particularly in areas where GPs are most needed.
“Let’s keep up the momentum and go even further,” she said.
Source: RACGP
