The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has outlined a bold plan to further enhance general practice care so that no patients are left behind.
The RACGP's 2025–29 Strategy sets out the long-term strategic goals for the College in improving general practice over the next five years.
RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright, said the plan would drive strong change.
"The next five years represent a crucial moment in time general practice," he said.
"Patients have better health outcomes when they're treated by a regular GP who knows them, and their history. Our work often goes unnoticed, and that's because we do the preventive care and long-term work that stops health problems reaching crisis point. However, that doesn't mean we should be taken for granted; and in presenting this plan for general practice over the next five years, we're establishing a clear direction to secure the future of general practice care for all Australians.
"The College has over 50,000 members located in communities all around Australia, and there's never been a more important time to speak out on behalf of our hardworking GPs and ensure no patients miss out on care. Our priority is working hard every day to serve our members and their patients at a time when people are relying on general practice care more than ever before. Following many years of under-investment in Medicare, we have an ageing population, more patients with complex, chronic conditions, and a cost-of-living crisis – so the time is now to achieve meaningful change."
RACGP Board Chair, Dr Sian Goodson, said the College was determined to achieve positive reform.
"This is a strong step forward. We're determined to lead a new era in general practice care," she said.
"Our 2025–29 Strategy will stretch our focus toward an emerging sustainable and successful future for general practice care. We're building on the College's already strong foundations of education and training, quality and standards, and research.
"The Strategy outlines the key steps needed to drive positive change. The four areas of focus are an outstanding Fellowship underpinned by compelling member support, a flourishing GP workforce thriving with the help of flexible and outcome-based education and training, a profession prepared for a changing future ready to embrace new, innovative technologies, and general practice getting the support needed from government, including adequate funding, to be at the heart of our health system through impactful advocacy.
"General practice is the solution to so many of the problems plaguing our healthcare system. By driving change in general practice care, we can relieve pressure on the entire healthcare system, including our under-pressure hospitals. So, this strategy outlines the key steps in driving those innovations and improvements, to position the College and the broader field of general practice for long-term, sustained success."
Dr Goodson said that RACGP members, practice teams, and the patients they care for, deserve nothing but the best.
"We're working hard every day for our members to ensure a strong general practice profession that keeps Australians healthy," she said.
"Our five-year strategy not only sets out the long-term direction and goals for the College, it outlines the RACGP's priorities so that everyone knows who is responsible for what. It features specific actions, timelines and resources to deliver on what we have promised. This is important, because it will help the College fight for our members, boost general practice care, and make sure that all patients can access timely and affordable general practice care.
"We're making progress, but there is plenty more work to be done, and we're determined to ensure that general practice care is a priority for all governments, so that our members get the support they need, and no patients miss out on vital care. There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history."
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