The Albanese Government has announced a $14.5 million investment to fund an additional 306 general practice training places in 2026, lifting the total number of doctors commencing GP training to around 2,100.
The new places will be delivered through the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The increase represents a 14 per cent rise on the previous record of 1,840 trainees, set last year.
According to the government, the expansion is part of broader efforts to strengthen Medicare and boost the medical workforce. Doctor registrations rose by more than 30 per cent in 2024–25 compared with 2021–22, with more doctors joining the Australian health system in the past three years than at any point in the previous decade.
The growth in GP trainee numbers is being cited as a sign of improving sentiment among junior doctors, alongside increased interest in general practice careers following new GP training incentives announced in the 2025–26 Budget. GP colleges have reported heightened demand for training places.
Nearly half of AGPT training occurs in regional, rural and remote areas, supporting workforce growth in communities with the greatest need for doctors.
The government has also committed to further GP training places from 2027–28 onward as part of its $662.6 million package to strengthen Medicare and expand the primary healthcare workforce.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the additional training places would have a nationwide impact.
“The Albanese Government’s record delivery of GP training places will make a meaningful difference right across the country,” Minister Butler said.
“Because of our efforts to strengthen Medicare, more doctors are starting GP training than ever before.
“By boosting the health workforce and strengthening Medicare, our government is making health care more accessible and affordable for all Australians.”
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant step toward meeting future workforce needs.
“This is a great decision – the government is delivering on its commitment to train more specialist GPs, and we are well and truly on the road to ensuring Australia has enough GPs for our growing population needs,” Dr Wright said.
“A record number of doctors took up Commonwealth-funded specialist GP training with the RACGP in 2025, with all places filled and more interest than ever.
“The RACGP trains 90% of GPs across Australia, in our cities and our rural and remote communities – and as we have said, more funding and support means we can train more specialist GPs.”