GP job satisfaction and challenges

GPs are reporting marginally improved job satisfaction in the last year. Encouragingly, 73% of GPs state they are satisfied with their job, an increase from 66% in 2023 (Figure 23). Job dissatisfaction has also correspondingly decreased, with only 18% of GPs reporting they are dissatisfied with their job.

Level of job satisfaction is dependent upon practice setting. GPs who work within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) or an Aboriginal health setting report much higher job satisfaction than their counterparts. Eighty-eight per cent of GPs working in Aboriginal health settings reported overall job satisfaction, which is an increase from 82% in 2023 (Figure 24). Those working in solo practice are the least satisfied (62% overall satisfied), a decreasing trend, compared with 68% in 2023.

Job satisfaction is also dependent upon age of the GP. Younger practising GPs (those under 35 years of age) had overall highest job satisfaction rate (85%), as well as GPs who were over 65 years of age (80% overall satisfaction) (Figure 24). Lowest job satisfaction (67%) was observed in GPs aged between 45–54 years of age. 

Being undervalued as a GP was the top-rated challenge nominated by survey respondents, with nearly seven in 10 GPs identifying with this challenge (Figure 25). This was closely followed by understanding and adhering to regulatory and policy challenges (66%) and managing workload (60%), both of which had similar trends in 2023. Although only 35% of GPs ranked role encroachment by other health professionals as a challenge, this increased markedly from 25% in 2023.