Message from the President

Over the past year, GPs have once again shown unwavering commitment to their patients and communities, displaying innovation and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. In a landscape of major national health reforms, our GPs have consistently risen to support their diverse communities – helping us live healthier and longer lives, and keeping our health system running, with general practice at the heart.

All Australians have the right to access the high-quality care a qualified and trusted GP provides. This care is a fundamental right, and the cornerstone of a strong and resilient healthcare system. GPs are specialists with more than 10 years of training, and our training matters. We are at the forefront of preventive care, early intervention, acute care and managing chronic conditions – all of which help Australians live healthier lives.

In 2023, more than 22 million Australians chose to see a GP – making GPs the most accessed health professional in our health system.

GPs are reporting improved job satisfaction and more would recommend the profession to junior colleagues. These are positive signs, coming after the 2023 Federal Budget which provided much needed relief after decades of under-investment in general practice care. The Budget investment shows funding gets results. However, more is needed to ensure general practice is viable, sustainable and affordable for everyone. Medicare rebates have not kept up with inflation, causing out-of-pocket costs to increase, doubling the number of people who are delaying essential care, and putting more pressure on our hospitals and ambulances. Band-aids won’t fix our health system. We know what works: general practice needs meaningful investment from government to make care affordable for all Australians.

The 2024 Health of the Nation report tells us GPs are adapting to the changing needs of their patients, leveraging digital technologies and emerging medical advancements to deliver care tailored to individual needs. Whether implementing telehealth services, coordinating multidisciplinary care teams or embracing new treatments, GPs think creatively and respond to the evolving healthcare landscape. Our GPs are positive that innovations in general practice are benefitting Australian patients. The report also tells us certain technologies are underutilised for reasons that can easily be addressed, including My Health Record.

The Government needs to invest in interoperability for this flagship platform, otherwise usage will always be low.

As we reflect on the changes and challenges in the past year, it’s clear the dedication of our GPs has been essential to maintaining the health and wellbeing of our nation. As the peak body for general practice and general practice training, the RACGP is committed to supporting our members and advocating for policies that empower GPs to continue providing the exceptional care Australians need and deserve.

Australia has a world-class health system, and we need to keep it this way for our future generations, with general practice at the heart. There really is no substitute for the quality care of a GP who knows you, and your history. Australia’s GPs should be proud of the invaluable work they do caring for our communities, and we must elevate general practice to its rightful place and inspire our next generation of GPs.

Dr Nicole Higgins
RACGP President