November 24, 2025
The Albanese Government's decision to fund an additional 100 university places each year to train Australian doctors is a critical investment in the future of healthcare in Australia, and will ensure a secure supply of domestically trained medical practitioners.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the announcement comes at a critical time as Australia is facing a significant shortage of doctors, particularly in primary care and in regional and rural communities.
"The Go8 which produces over 60 percent of Australia's doctors has long advocated for an increase in the number of graduates from Australian medical schools to reduce our reliance on overseas trained doctors to meet Australia's healthcare needs".
"The international market for doctors is extremely competitive and by increasing Commonwealth supported places for students studying medicine, Australia can grow our domestic medical workforce and provide the certainty we need."
"In recent years Australia has imported as many or more doctors from overseas as it has produced graduates from our own medical schools. The Government's announcement is a major step towards reversing this trend."
"The long term future of our health system that must cater to an ageing population requires us to graduate more doctors domestically and to encourage them to practice in the geographical areas of greatest need in regional and outer metropolitan areas."
"The Go8's national footprint and our commitment to medical training in rural and regional areas will ensure that the benefits of this investment will be felt in communities right across the country."
"From next year the Australian government will introduce demand-driven medical places for First Nations students, to increase the number of Indigenous doctors. Then Go8 congratulates Minister Jason Clare and Minister Mark Butler on these important initiatives."
