RACGP Advocacy Plan 2026-30 

RACGP Advocacy Plan 2026-30 

Advocacy > Advocacy Plan
Last updated 14 May 2026

Anchoring our advocacy on behalf of our members over the next five years 

The RACGP advocates on behalf of specialist GPs and their patients to strengthen Australia’s health system. We engage with all levels of government, regulators and key decision‑makers to ensure general practice is well supported, patient‑centred and at the heart of care delivery.

The RACGP Advocacy Plan 2026–30 sets out how the College will advocate over the next five years for our members. 
It reflects the priorities members have told us are most important to them through our annual Health of the Nation report, member surveys, our member-elected Faculty Councils, our many College expert and advisory committees, as well as direct member submissions. The Advocacy Plan provides focus, clarity and accountability while allowing flexibility to respond to emerging issues. 

In the face of such rapid change there has never been a more important time for the RACGP to advocate clearly, strongly and consistently on behalf of our members and their patients. 

Discover the Advocacy Plan

Full plan →
Advocacy Plan 2026–30 overview →
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health advocacy →
Rural advocacy →

Our top priorities  

Increase investment in general practice to value the critical role of specialist GPs in the health system

We’re calling for sustained investment that reflects the true value of specialist GP care – including fair Medicare rebates, better support for longer consultations and funding models that meet the real cost of care.

Why it matters: Adequate funding protects patient access, supports continuity of care and keeps general practices viable.
 

Ensure changing models of care are evidence-based, value and prioritise safety and quality and do not fragment care

RACGP advocates for evidence-based, GP-led models of care that prioritise quality, safety and continuity — and for stronger regulation where new models risk fragmenting care.

Why it matters: Patients experience better outcomes when care is coordinated through their regular GP.
 

Grow and sustain our specialist GP workforce and better support IMGs

We are pushing for expanded GP training, strengthened supervision, better support for IMGs, and targeted investment in rural and high-need areas.

Why it matters: Without action, workforce shortages will continue to limit access to care, particularly outside major metropolitan areas.
 

Realise a healthcare system that is culturally safe and inclusive

RACGP is committed to eliminating racism in healthcare and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, self‑determination and community‑controlled care.

We also know that many specialist GPs and patients also experience discrimination based on gender, sexuality, religion and other characteristics, and these have additional harmful effects.

Why it matters: Cultural safety is clinical safety and it is also crucial for increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP workforce.
 

Unlock the full potential of general practice by reducing red tape, embracing innovative technologies and enhancing research

We advocate for simpler regulation, better digital infrastructure, safe use of new technologies and stronger support for general practice-led research.

Why it matters: Reducing unnecessary burden frees up GP time for patient care and system improvement.


 

Our recent advocacy wins 

The inaugural RACGP Advocacy Plan 2024–25 established a clear and coordinated approach to advocacy on behalf of GPs and their patients, grounded in member priorities. 

Through this approach, the College has delivered tangible outcomes across key priority areas -demonstrating the impact of a united, member-led advocacy voice. 

While much has been achieved, the Advocacy Plan 2026–30 sets out where we will continue to focus our advocacy and drive further reform. 

 GP workforce and training

We advocated for investment in GP training, workforce pipelines and registrar support

We helped secure $248.7M GP training incentives package, with $30K incentive and expanded leave support

We’ll keep advocating for

  • expanding GP training capacity and funding
  • strengthening supervision and support across the training pipeline
  • increasing support for IMGs, including mentoring and rural pathways
  • embedding general practice exposure in pre-vocational training

 GP and Rural Generalist specialisation

We advocated for recognition of GP and Rural Generalist specialisation

We helped secure formal recognition of GP and Rural Generalist specialisation as a medical specialty

We’ll keep advocating for

  • increasing rural loading and targeted incentives
  • expanding rural training pathways and supervision capacity
  • improving workforce sustainability in remote areas

 GP scope and access to care

We advocated for recognition of GPs as specialists; removal of restrictions limiting access to care

We helped secure $24M reinstated for GP ECG rebates

We’ll keep advocating for

  • Medicare, PBS and government program recognition
  • removing PBS and MBS restrictions limiting GP prescribing and requesting rights
  • expanding GP access to diagnostics and treatments

 ADHD care reform

We advocated for an expanded GP role in ADHD diagnosis and management

We helped secure commencement of ADHD reforms in key states

We’ll keep advocating for

  • nationally consistent prescribing arrangements
  • aligned authority, access criteria and prescribing rules
  • support for early intervention and multidisciplinary care

 Payroll tax reform

We advocated for removal of payroll tax settings that unfairly apply to GP earnings and threaten practice viability

We helped secure payroll tax exemptions for GP earnings across 4 jurisdictions

We’ll keep advocating for

  • nationally consistent payroll tax reform, aligned to Qld’s full exemption model for GP earnings

 Medicare reform

We advocated for Medicare funding that reflects the real cost and complexity of GP care

We helped secure increased Medicare funding via incentive payments

We’ll keep advocating for

  • higher patient Medicare rebates for longer consults
  • broader Health Assessments for priority groups
  • MBS-funded GP infusions

Join the RACGP GP Advocate Network 

Do you want to be a strong voice for general practice? 

We're looking for GPs to join our GP Advocate Network to help expand our advocacy reach, shape the future of general practice in Australia and deliver on the RACGP Advocacy Plan priorities. 
 

Learn more