Surge in Future GPs Bolsters Tasmanian Primary Care

Patients in Tasmania will soon find it easier than ever to see a GP, with a growing cohort of future specialist GPs commencing training in the Commonwealth-funded Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program with the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).

In 2026, 56 future GPs have commenced training in Tasmania, a 19% increase on 2025. Of these:

This growth compares favourably with the national increase in junior doctors training as GPs with the RACGP and highlights Tasmania's growing appeal as a training location, as well as opportunities to continue expanding rural training capacity across the state.

RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner said the growth in Tasmania's intake strengthened the state's future GP workforce.

"A 19% increase in future GPs choosing to train in Tasmania is a significant achievement for our state," he said.

"The fact that every registrar is training on a rural pathway shows real confidence in the quality of Tasmanian training posts and supervisors, and a strong commitment to serving rural and regional communities.

"Tasmania continues to deliver exceptional, community-focused training experiences. We offer hands-on medicine, continuity of care, and genuine relationships with patients, all of which attract the next generation of GPs.

"To keep this momentum going, we must continue investing in rural training practices, supervisors, and infrastructure. Supporting the training environment directly supports better access to primary care for Tasmanians everywhere."

A further 28 eligible doctors applied to train as GPs in Tasmania, indicating that with more Commonwealth-funded AGPT places and increased support for GP supervisors, the RACGP could train even more specialist GPs across the state.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright called on the Federal Government to continue investing in training to support all communities' access to high-quality general practice.

"We've worked with the Federal Government to fill all available Australian GP Training Program places for the second year in a row," he said.

"The astounding 47% national growth in rural pathway training demonstrates what we've said consistently, funding gets results.

"Registrars and medical students who experience rural general practice are far more likely to stay rural. Tasmania's all-rural intake is a great example of how targeted investment can deliver impact.

"Applications to train as a specialist GP have increased 81% since 2024. Doctors are seeing that the AGPT Program provides excellent training, meaningful patient relationships, and a career with strong work-life balance.

"Australia needs more specialist GPs, and the RACGP is ready to train them. We're calling on the Government to sustain long-term investment beyond 2028 so we can continue growing the GP workforce."

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