2025 Health Trends Reshape Australian GPs
In 2025, Australian GPs have seen significant changes driven by global health trends. AI tools, especially AI scribes, are widely adopted in general practice, reducing admin work and aiding diagnosis....
Primary Care
AI in Australian Primary Care Faces Safety and Equity Risks
The University of Sydney research warns that AI tools in primary care are being used without enough safety checks. AI applications like ChatGPT, scribes, and patient apps are increasingly common in cl...
GP Paediatric Care Model Cuts Hospital Referrals
A new study from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute shows that upskilling GPs in paediatric care can reduce hospital referrals and boost GP confidence. The model involves paediatricians working...
GP-led Research Award Boosts Aged Care Innovation
Associate Professor Joel Rhee created the Rhee Family Award to support research that improves care for older Australians. His mother, who had multiple system atrophy, inspired the award after her pass...
Australia Plans to Expand GPs' MRI Request Rights
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) is reviewing proposals to expand bulk-billed MRI access for GPs. The plan aims to allow GPs to request MRI scans for more conditions, starting w...
Bondi Beach Terror Attack Sparks Community and Health Response
Australia’s leaders have called for calm after a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach. Sixteen people were killed and over 40 injured when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah event. The gunman was sho...
Indigenous Health Leader Wins GP of the Year
Dr Raji Krishnan has been practising medicine for over 40 years, mainly focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She was recognised as RACGP’s 2025 GP of the Year at the GP25 con...
Over Half of Medicare Reforms Completed in Australia
The Australian government has completed more than half of its 'Strengthening Medicare' reforms. Out of 47 planned measures, 27 are now in place, including urgent care clinics and increased bulk-billin...
PBAC Nears Decision on PBS Coverage for Weight-Loss Drugs
The PBAC is close to deciding whether weight-loss drugs like semaglutide will be added to Australia's PBS. Currently, many patients pay up to $5000 a year for private prescriptions of GLP-1 therapies....
Australia’s Medicare Reforms Progress but Lack Impact Data
The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing released a progress update on the Strengthening Medicare reforms. So far, 57% of the 47 measures have been completed, including bulk billing...
RACGP Launches Registrar Wellbeing Support Program
The RACGP launched the Registrar Wellbeing Project to support GPs in training. It aims to improve their mental health, reduce burnout, and create safer, more supportive training environments. The proj...
Australian GPs emphasise prevention as core to care
The RACGP emphasises that preventive care is a core part of general practice in Australia. Most GPs offer preventive services, and many want to do more. A recent BMJ paper argued GPs should focus on a...
RACGP Adds IMG to Future Governance Committee
The RACGP is adding an international medical graduate (IMG) to its Future Governance Committee in 2026. This move aims to include diverse perspectives, especially since over half of Australian GPs are...
Saxenda Discontinued in Australia as Medicare Reforms Continue
The drug Saxenda (liraglutide), used for obesity and diabetes, will no longer be available in Australia after December 2025. Novo Nordisk decided to stop manufacturing Saxenda, shifting focus to its n...
Australia Drops Mandatory Health Checks for Older Doctors
The Medical Board of Australia has decided not to proceed with mandatory health checks for older doctors. Last year, they considered requiring doctors over 70 to have health checks every three years,...
Australia Drops Mandatory Health Checks for Doctors Over 70
The Medical Board of Australia has decided not to require doctors over 70 to undergo mandatory health checks. This change follows strong opposition from the medical community, including the AMA, which...
NSW relaxes prescription rules for bushfire-affected communities
The NSW government has temporarily relaxed prescription rules during the bushfire season. Patients in affected areas can now access a limited supply of essential medications without a prescription. Th...
Western Sydney PHNs Plan to Boost GP Numbers
Three primary health networks in Western Sydney — WentWest, South Western Sydney PHN, and Blue Mountains Nepean PHN — are working on a five-year plan to boost the number of GPs. The region faces a gro...
Australian GP Training Safer, Growing in Popularity
The Medical Training Survey in Australia shows specialist non-GP trainees face more discrimination and racism than GPs-in-training. The survey included responses from over 17,500 medical trainees and...
GPs to Lead Early Childhood Care Under New Scheme
The RACGP has submitted a plan to strengthen the Thriving Kids initiative. It emphasises the role of GPs in early childhood care, especially in the first 2000 days of life. The plan recommends a consi...