Twenty new medical students will start at the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Launceston campus this month where they will complete their entire medical degree, thanks to the Australian Government.
This is the first time medical students will commence end-to-end medical training in Launceston.
This will mean an additional 100 medical students across all year levels will train in Launceston this year.
To encourage graduates to become GPs, the program will include clinical placements and experiences in general practice, primary care and community settings.
The initiative will help reduce workforce shortages in north and northwest Tasmania, particularly in general practice. It will also provide more opportunities for local people to study medicine.
Around half of students at the UTAS Launceston campus are the first in family to attend university.
This is in addition to delivering $617 million to train more doctors and nurses – including the largest GP training program in Australian history, with an estimated 2,100 doctors commencing GP training in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“More medical students graduating in Launceston means more doctors living and working in Launceston.
“We are strengthening Medicare by building our future medical workforce through more training places for medical students at university.”
Quotes attributable Minister Clare:
“We want more young Australians to become doctors, and more of them to become GPs.
“More places and more training means more opportunities for young people and more doctors for communities that need them, like Tasmania.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“The Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare by training more doctors, right here in Launceston.
“We know that when doctors train in regional communities they are far more likely to stay and practice locally. This is how we build a sustainable workforce for northern Tasmania and make it easier for families to see a GP close to home.
“The University of Tasmania plays a critical role in training doctors for our regions. Expanding local medical pathways means more Tasmanian students can study close to home and more doctors training in Launceston choosing to build their careers in our communities.”
Quotes attributable Jess Teesdale MP, Member for Bass:
“Whenever I go to college awards nights, there are always young adults who tell me they want to study medicine and now they can stay in Launceston and do their entire degree right here at home.
“This is a huge win for our community. It means more local students becoming local doctors, and more of the health workforce our region desperately needs.”