06 June 2019


RACGP Faculty elections

Nominations for elected positions on the RACGP Faculty Councils are open.

The RACGP Faculty Councils play an important role in shaping the way general practice is delivered across Australia.

Faculty Council members debate the critical issues that impact general practice and provide expert advice on continuing professional development, education, training, quality care, research and advocacy on behalf of general practice.

Visit the RACGP website for eligibility requirements and to download nomination forms.

Nominations will close at 4.00 pm local time, Wednesday 3 July 2019.


RACGP Green Book – Motivational interviewing case study

GPs and practice nurses may find it challenging to help patients change their behaviour.

One motivational interviewing skill is the ability to prompt ‘behaviour change’ talk.

This case study from the Green Book outlines questions you can ask in order to elicit the beliefs, needs and reasons that often underpin the patient’s motivation to change their behaviour.


2020 check program

RACGP members are invited to conduct a survey to help select 11 suitable topics for the 2020 check program commencing in the new calendar year.

The survey should take 5–10 minutes to complete and is anonymous.

The survey closes Monday 1 July 2019.


RACGP Awards

RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health offers awards to a Fellow, member of the RACGP or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has contributed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Nominations for the Growing Strong, Standing Strong Together, and Student Bursary awards are now open.

Visit the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health awards page to download a nomination form.

RACGP Rural awards recognise outstanding achievements and exceptional individuals for their contribution to rural general practice.

Nominations for the Brian Williams, Medical Student Bursary, Rural Registrar of the Year, and Community Project of the Year awards are now open.

Visit the RACGP Rural awards page to download a nomination form.

Nominations for both faculty awards close on Monday 17 June 2019.


GP wellbeing survey

The RACGP's inaugural GP wellbeing survey has been designed to gain insights and opinions on GP wellbeing in Australian general practice.

GPs and general practice registrars currently practising in Australia are invited to contribute and have their say. Your experience and insights will assist the RACGP in understanding the supports that are currently accessed, where future investment is needed, and the barriers and challenges faced by GPs in relation to their own wellbeing and mental health.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous.

Complete the survey here.


Voluntary assisted dying in Victoria: What GPs need to know

Voluntary assisted dying law comes into effect in Victoria on 19 June.

Voluntary assisted dying is a significant change to health in Victoria, therefore it is crucial GPs take the time to understand the information available and what the new legislation requires.

There will be no compulsion for doctors to participate in voluntary assisted dying, and no compulsion for institutions to participate (corporate general practice networks, community health networks, hospitals, individual medical practices).

The process for anyone to access voluntary assisted dying legally must not be raised by the health practitioner – the request must come from the patient. For GPs seeking to be involved, there is a mandatory training program focused on the requirements to complete the process and procedures. Further education will be available with regards to the discussions once a patient has raised it.

For comprehensive information on voluntary assisted dying, please visit the Health Victoria website.


Media enquiries

Journalists and media outlets seeking comment and information from the RACGP should contact:

John Ronan

Senior Media Advisor