More Australians are seeing their GP as new ABS data shows rising access
19 Nov 2025
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2024–25 Patient Experiences survey, based on responses from more than 25,000 people, shows that GPs remain the most commonly accessed health professionals in the country. In the past year, 83.4% of Australians saw a GP, up from 82.6% the year before.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the findings confirm that “GPs are the front door of the health system”, with most people turning to general practice when they need care.
The data also shows fewer people are delaying GP visits. In 2024–25, 27% of Australians reported putting off a GP appointment when they needed one, down from 30% in 2022–23. Cost remains a barrier for some, but this too has improved, with 7.7% citing cost as the reason for delay, compared with 8.8% two years earlier.
Dr Wright said these trends show that “investing in general practice gets results”, providing strong access to care in a cost-effective way.
The survey also highlights high levels of continuity of care. Two in three people were able to see their preferred GP, and almost all respondents—99%—said they could see a GP when they needed to. Dr Wright said this represents “outstanding access” and an improvement from last year.
However, he emphasised the need for continued focus on GP funding and workforce growth. According to the RACGP’s new National GP Workforce Insights Report, released at GP25, Australia faces significant workforce pressures. More than 40% of GPs are aged over 55 and approaching retirement, raising concerns about future supply.
The report shows that GP full-time equivalent (FTE) rates vary widely across the country. Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland have above-average FTE levels, while outer-remote areas (MM6) have the lowest rates, sitting 40% below the national figure. More than half of Australia’s GP FTE workforce is made up of overseas-trained doctors.
Dr Wright warned that without targeted action, many communities—especially rural and remote areas—may struggle to access timely, affordable care.
He noted that recent Federal Government investments are helping, including a $600 million commitment in the 2025–26 Budget to support GP training. This includes 1800 training places in 2026 (a 13% increase) and 1900 places in 2027.
“We’re making strong progress,” Dr Wright said, “but we need to keep building the GP training pipeline so all Australians can access a GP who knows them, now and into the future.”
Source: newsGP
