Record Number of Trainees in ACT's GP Program
CANBERRA — In a significant boost to healthcare services, Canberra has increased its GP training capacity by 26% in 2026, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This year, 29 aspiring general practitioners have commenced training in the Australian Capital Territory under the Commonwealth-funded Australian GP Training (AGPT) Program.
The RACGP NSW&ACT Chair, Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, highlighted the importance of this increase as a crucial step in expanding Canberra’s general practice workforce. “It’s a win, and it’s the start Canberra needs to grow its general practice workforce,” Dr. Hoffman stated, emphasizing the need for continued investment to sustain this growth.
The ACT Government has committed to supporting GP wellbeing, retention, and accessibility, as Canberra has historically faced a shortage of GPs compared to other major Australian cities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address healthcare demands, with the RACGP proposing targeted investments to further bolster the GP workforce.
Proposed Investments for GP Workforce Growth
The RACGP has outlined several priority investments in its ACT Pre-Budget submission to enhance GP training and retention. These include increased funding for GP supervision, retention bonuses for GP registrars, and exam fee subsidies to attract more trainees to Canberra. Dr. Hoffman stressed the importance of these measures, noting, “Training GPs here is the best way to grow Canberra’s GP workforce. Our capital should be a destination of choice for future GPs.”
Nationally, the number of doctors training as specialist GPs has risen by 19%, with significant rural growth reflecting the RACGP’s focus on meeting community needs. RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright attributes this to federal investment, stating, “Investment in general practice leads to real outcomes.”
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 20 March 2026, 4:23 pm
