A new intake of trainee GPs has started across the State in recent months as part of an innovative and nation-leading GP training model which is boosting the number of doctors in rural and regional areas.
Five new trainees – two in Ulverstone and one each in Wynard, Deloraine and Dover – began their placements over the last few months as part of the Single Employer Model pilot program.
The Single Employer Model is a partnership between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments designed to reduce key barriers to recruiting and retaining the next generation of rural doctors.
Under the pilot program, GP Registrars can choose to be employed by the Tasmanian Government during their training.
Having a single contract and employer throughout their training means GPs can access the same salary and leave entitlements as their peers working in hospitals, including annual leave, parental leave and sick leave.
The program also allows for a seamless transition between hospital and GP placements.
This is the third intake of trainee GPs under the program, following the first five trainees who started in July 2023 and 12 trainees who joined the program at the beginning of 2024.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler:
"Growing the rural GP workforce is a key part of our government's reforms to strengthen Medicare for all Australians.
"The Single Employer Model is proving to be a successful way to bolster the number of GPs available for people in Tasmanians.
"We want to attract more doctors to regional Tasmania and this program will help to retain the doctors we need to continue to provide essential healthcare services to Tasmanians."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett:
"Being able to access primary care in your local community is critically important wherever you live across our State, which is why we have partnered with the Australian Government to deliver this innovative program aimed at increasing the number of doctors in rural and regional areas.
"I warmly welcome the five new trainee GPs who have joined the program in recent months and congratulate them on taking up this wonderful opportunity.
"Our Government is stepping up through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future to support the Tasmanian primary care system, with other significant measures.
"This includes the formation of a new GP Now rapid response unit, $100,000 relocation incentives to attract 40 GPs to rural areas, and the offer of flexible $250,000 grants for rural and regional GP practices."
