The intentions of non-practising GPs

Six per cent of the total survey respondents identified as a non-practising GP.

Non-practising GPs were asked why they had stepped away from active medical practice within Australia. Retirement was listed as the main reason (39%), and workload-related issues were identified by two in five GPs as a reason for not practising. This was comprised of burnout (32%), high workload and patient demand (20%), and a desire to improve their work–life balance (17%) (Figure 44).

Reasons GPs have stepped away from active medical practice — Measure: Proportion of GP responses to the question, ‘What led to your decision to step away from active medical practice in Australia?’
Sample: Non-practising GPs 2024 n=181
Source: The Navigators, RACGP Health of the Nation survey April/May 2024.

Positively, 30% of non-practising GPs intend to practise again (Figure 45), with the majority (90%) intending to return within the next 12 months.

Non-practising GPs who intend to commence practising in Australia again — Measure: Proportion of GP responses to the question, ‘Do you intend to commence as a practising GP in Australia again?’
Sample: Non-practising GPs 2024 n=181
Source: The Navigators, RACGP Health of the Nation survey April/May 2024.

Thirty-one per cent of non-practising GPs stated they would consider returning if remuneration, conditions, and incentives improved, and an additional 31% of non-practising GPs indicated they would consider returning if there was decreased government compliance and regulation.

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The intentions of non-practising GPs

Figure 44. Reasons GPs have stepped away from active medical practice

Figure 45. Non-practising GPs who intend to commence practising in Australia again