GP distribution

The number of GPs in each state and territory varies. Similar to previous years, there are near identical numbers of GPs per 100,000 people in Queensland (115), Victoria (116) and New South Wales (116), but distinctly fewer GPs per 100,000 people in the Northern Territory (82), South Australia (106), Western Australia (99) and the Australian Capital Territory (91).¹ Overall, in 2023 there were 112 FTE GPs per 100,000 people in Australia (Figure 20) which is a decrease from 2022 (115). This decrease is reflected in every state and territory in Australia except Tasmania which saw a slight increase.¹

Between 2018 and 2023 there has been an overall decrease in the number of FTE GPs per 100,000 people in all MM regions across Australia, except for MM5 and MM7, which saw slight increases.¹

Data shows that MM6 regions particularly have seen a larger decrease. In addition, MM6 regions have the lowest number of GPs per 100,000 people in Australia (68), compared to MM4 regions which have the highest number of GPs per 100,000 people (127) (Figure 21).¹

Lower numbers of GPs in rural and remote regions of Australia (MM3–7) can have a negative impact on access to healthcare. Over 50% of people in outer-regional, remote or very remote regions in Australia are waiting 24 hours or more for an urgent appointment with a GP, contrasted with 44% of people living in major cities.² In addition, 38% of people in outer-regional, remote or very remote regions in Australia reported their wait time to see a GP was unacceptable, compared to 28% of those living in major cities.²