The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has thrown its support behind the Queensland Government's incentive package for GPs in training to boost the GP workforce.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Hon. Tim Nicholls, has today confirmed that a General Practice Trainee Incentive payment of $40,000 will be available for all GPs starting their primary care training anywhere in Queensland in 2025.
RACGP Queensland Chair, Dr Cathryn Hester, described the incentive payment as a strong signal of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to improve access to specialist general practice care across the state.
"Boosting our GP workforce, especially in rural and remote communities, is one of our highest of priorities and this incentive will make a real difference," she said.
"The RACGP is pleased to have worked behind the scenes with the Crisafulli Government to provide this crucial support to GPs in training. We know it will boost GP availability in communities across the state, and supporting the GP workforce is essential for a healthy Queensland.
"GPs and practice teams keep patients out of hospital and relieve pressure on our entire healthcare system. No matter your postcode or income, all Queenslanders deserve access to high-quality general practice care. There's simply no substitute for the care you receive from a GP who knows you, and your history.
"The incentive applies state-wide. It doesn't matter which community you're living and working in, or the training pathway you've chosen, every Queensland GP in training in a primary care setting will receive this incentive boost. I applaud the Government for following through on this commitment, which will encourage more doctors to train as specialist GPs."
Dr Hester encouraged future doctors to pursue a career in general practice.
"As a specialist GP of 13 years, I can tell you that it is one of the best careers in healthcare" she said.
"We are doctors for the whole person, for the whole of life, and no two days are the same in general practice. The scope of work, and the privilege of deeply knowing our patients and their families is unmatched in other healthcare professions. Our ability to help patients to stay healthy and to manage most conditions in the community as the first point of contact is the superpower of general practice, and it is why access to Specialist GP care is so highly valued by Queenslanders. I encourage all future doctors weighing up their future careers to consider training in this much needed specialty."
The Queensland Government's incentive payment complements the Albanese Government heeding the RACGP's calls and committing to train 2,000 new GPs every year by 2028 and incentivise more junior doctors to become specialist GPs. Workforce incentives will match the wages, and parental and study leave entitlements of GP trainees to those of hospital-based doctors, removing a significant barrier to junior doctors choosing general practice.
The RACGP will be one of the colleges administering the training incentive. Information concerning eligibility and how to apply can be found on the RACGP website.
