GP perceptions of the profession

This year, GPs stated the increasing complexity of patient presentations was the number one issue they face, with 68% of GPs identifying with this challenge (Figure 41). Being undervalued as a GP was the next rated challenge nominated by survey respondents (62%), followed by managing workload (55%) and understanding and adhering to regulatory and policy challenges (53%). Seventeen per cent of GPs felt that navigating and utilising artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technology was a challenge.

The proportion of GPs who felt they were able to maintain a good work–life balance (47%) and believed that their work–life balance would improve in the coming 12 months (27%) has remained largely the same over the past three years (Figure 42). Level of burnout has also stayed the same, with 69% of GPs experiencing burnout in 2025.
 

Compared with last year, there have been notable changes in GP satisfaction levels regarding hours of work, remuneration and administration (Figure 43). This year, 24% of GPs were dissatisfied with their hours of work (increasing from 21% in 2024), along with 52% of GPs who were dissatisfied with their remuneration (increasing from 46% in 2024). Nearly eight in 10 GPs (77%) were dissatisfied with the amount of administration associated with their work. This has increased markedly from 70% in 2024 to 77% in 2025, continuing an upwards trend in dissatisfaction.

The main administrative pain point identified by GPs is authority prescriptions, with 44% of GPs identifying this as an administrative task that could be improved (Figure 44). Various forms of clinical administrative tasks were the second most frequently nominated opportunity to reduce time on administration, identified by 36% of GPs. Some examples mentioned by GPs included note taking, mental health and care plan paperwork, and aged care correspondence. Work to support patients with government and insurance assessments, for example Centrelink and WorkCover, was another area GPs felt efficiencies could be achieved (identified by 30% of GPs).

Reducing the load from these administrative tasks would not only ease pressure on GPs but also free up more time for direct patient care, where it matters most.