May has been a valuable month of engagement with our ACT members, providing important opportunities to strengthen connections, celebrate achievements, and continue building momentum in our advocacy efforts.
On 1 May, we undertook a series of member engagements across the ACT, visiting two local general practices and connecting with some stakeholder organisations.
These visits provided valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of delivering care, including workforce pressures, increasing complexity of presentations, and the operational challenges practices are navigating. Hearing directly from GPs and practice teams ensures our advocacy remains grounded in the lived experience of our members.
Later that day, we hosted the ACT Member Meet-Up, which provided a further opportunity to connect with 30 members in an informal setting. In addition to broader discussions on current challenges and opportunities in general practice, we engaged with attendees on advocacy priorities, including identifying the electorates they would like to support and advocate for across the ACT. These discussions are helping to shape a more coordinated and locally targeted advocacy approach.
On 2 May, we were pleased to host the ACT Fellowship Ceremony, recognising the significant milestone achieved by our newest Fellows. Fellowship represents not only the completion of rigorous training, but a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within our communities. It was encouraging to see the continued strength of the general practice pipeline, and to celebrate the dedication and professionalism of these GPs as they step into the next stage of their careers. We were also privileged to hear the oration delivered by Dr Maggie-Kate Minogue – we look forward to sharing this with members via the faculty website, and we will advise members once it becomes available.
At a national level, the Federal Budget delivered several welcome health measures despite a challenging fiscal environment. The RACGP welcomed funding commitments including expanded child health checks, continued quality improvement funding, additional GP training places, and vaccine funding. While these measures represent positive progress, the College will continue advocating for stronger investment in long consultations and equitable access to high-quality general practice care.
Eligible members are encouraged to consider nominating in the upcoming RACGP President elections, with nominations opening on 22 June. This is an important opportunity for members to help shape the future direction of the College. Members can visit the RACGP elections webpage to learn more about the role, nomination process, and key dates.
We are continuing to expand the RACGP NSW&ACT GP Advocate Network, which supports GPs interested in advocacy to build relationships with their local elected representatives and help shape health policy. The network is currently supporting advocacy efforts on key issues including pharmacist prescribing, ensuring the GP voice is represented in discussions impacting scope of practice and patient safety. If you are interested in learning more before submitting an expression of interest, please contact Naiomi, RACGP GP Advocate Network Coordinator, at gpadvocate@racgp.org.au.
It’s also important we make our voice heard in light of the Federal Government’s plans for fully-funded bulk-billing clinics in regional NSW. These plans are very concerning; I spoke with newsGP about the damage this could do to regional practices.
The inaugural GPs for MPs event in the ACT, originally scheduled for 11 June, has been postponed due to construction works currently underway within the ACT Legislative Assembly impacting the event arrangements. Further details, including a revised date, will be provided to members in due course.
The RACGP will also launch its new RACGP Advocacy Plan 2026–30 at the Practice Owners National Conference, outlining the key issues the College will focus on over the next five years to support members, strengthen general practice, and improve patient care. The plan reflects priorities raised by members and includes advocacy areas relevant to our faculty and communities.
The conference will be held on Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 May at the International Convention Centre Sydney, and I look forward to sharing an update on its outcomes and success in next month’s report.
I am also looking forward to the National Reconciliation Week webinar being held on Monday 2 June at 7.00 pm (AEST) in partnership with The Healing Foundation. Register now to attend the webinar.
I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf as we build on this momentum in the months ahead.
Until next month,
Dr Rebekah Hoffman
Chair of RACGP NSW&ACT