Canberra has welcomed a record number of future specialist GPs participating in the Commonwealth-funded Australian GP Training (AGPT) Program with the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).
In 2026, 29 future GPs have commenced training in the ACT, 26% more than in 2025. Meanwhile, a further 18 eligible doctors applied to train as GPs, indicating with more support for GP supervisors and more Commonwealth-funded AGPT places, the RACGP can train more specialist GPs in Canberra.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the increase is a promising start, and one to build on.
"It's a win, and it's the start Canberra needs to grow its general practice workforce," she said.
"Now, we need to build on it. We've put forward well-targeted investments the ACT Government should include in its next Budget to grow the primary care workforce its constituents need. This will reduce pressure on Canberra's hospitals, grow its GP workforce, and help everyone access the general practice care they deserve."
The RACGP's ACT Pre-Budget submission outlines priority investments to build its GP workforce, including:
- investment in GP supervision to increase GP training capacity in Canberra via financially protected teaching time and support payments
- general practice registrar retention bonuses to encourage those who train in Canberra to stay
- an ACT exam fee subsidy to reduce financial barriers and make Canberra a more attractive place to learn.
In early 2025, the RACGP highlighted that Canberra has the lowest rate of GPs per person of any capital city, including 23% fewer than Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. The ACT Government has since committed to investment aimed at supporting GP wellbeing, attracting and retaining GPs, and improving access to general practice care.
Dr Hoffman emphasised that these kinds of investments are needed to meet current and future healthcare demand.
"Canberra is a fantastic city to live and work in, but anyone who's been to a hospital here knows it needs solutions," she said.
"The investments and payroll tax changes the ACT Government has already made are a great start, but with Canberra's rapid growth and an ageing population that needs more chronic care, there's no substitute for a GP who knows you and your history.
"Training GPs here is the best way to grow Canberra's GP workforce. Our capital should be a destination of choice for future GPs. This ACT Budget is a unique opportunity to train the sustainable GP workforce Canberra deserves."
Nationally, 1772 doctors are training to become specialist GPs on the RACGP's AGPT program, 19% more than 2025.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the increase was driven by Federal Government investment, with the strong rural growth reflecting the College's priority to train GPs in the communities which need them.
"We've worked with the Federal Government and health department to fill all available Australian GP Training Program places, for the second year in a row," he said.
"The astounding 44% growth in future specialist GPs training on a rural pathway confirms what we've said consistently – investment in general practice leads to real outcomes.
"But we shouldn't stop there. It takes 10 years to train a GP. Workforce planning must align with this cycle to reduce reliance on overseas-trained doctors.
"Australia needs more specialist GPs, and the RACGP is ready and willing to train them."
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