GP distribution

The number of GPs in each state and territory continues to vary. Similarly to previous years, there are near identical numbers of GPs per 100,000 people in Queensland (115), Victoria (117) and New South Wales (117), but fewer GPs per 100,000 people in the Northern Territory (84), Tasmania (105), South Australia (107), Western Australia (97) and the Australian Capital Territory (91).¹

Overall, in 2024 there were 113 FTE GPs per 100,000 people in Australia, an increase from 2023 (110). This is reflected in every state and territory in Australia.¹

Although FTE GPs per 100,000 people increased from 2023 to 2024, the overall FTE has decreased from 2019 to 2024, from 117 to 113 FTE GPs per 100,000 people (Figure 36).¹ This decrease has been reflected in MM1, MM4 and MM6 regions, whereas MM2, MM3, MM5 and MM7 have slightly increased. 1 Data shows that MM6 regions continue to see a larger decrease than other regions, dropping from 78 FTE GPs per 100,000 people in 2019, to 68 FTE GPs per 100,000 people in 2024. MM6 regions this year again have the lowest number of GPs per 100,000 people in Australia (68), compared to MM3 regions which have the highest number of GPs per 100,000 people (130) (Figure 36).¹

Rural and remote communities in MM4–7 regions experience a notable shortfall in GP workforce, with far fewer GPs per population compared to metropolitan areas. This inequity results in reduced access to timely, continuous, and comprehensive care, contributing to poorer health outcomes for people living outside major cities.