The start of a new First Nations-led employment model to train GPs in rural Queensland will improve First Nations health and help Close the Gap.
The First Nations-led Single Employer Model (SEM) trial, based in Charleville in South West Queensland, is the first trial of its kind to be led and delivered by an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO).
It is a part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to expand SEM trials across Australia and find new and innovative employment models to attract and retain doctors in rural and remote regions.
The trial is being delivered in partnership with Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) and Charleville and Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health (CWAATSICH).
The government has committed $2.4 million to the trial, to support up to six general practice and rural generalist registrars to complete their training in the Charleville region.
Registrars will have training placements with CWAATSICH, South West Hospital and Health Service and the local private GP practice, Acacia Community Practice.
The SEM guarantees income and entitlements - such as annual leave, parental leave, sick leave and other benefits – comparable to hospital‑based medical training.
The Charleville trial will also support GPs in training to build a deeper understanding of the ACCHO Model of Care and the importance of cultural safety and connection with the First Nations community.
Outcomes of the trial will be evaluated to inform any broader application of the Single Employer Model across the ACCHO sector to attract and retain doctors where they are needed the most.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“We need to attract more doctors to rural and regional Queensland to provide high quality and essential primary healthcare services in this area.
“Right now, Charleville relies on telehealth and fly in, fly out services. This trial offers the local community increased access to primary health care and continuity of care.
“I thank the First Nations health organisations for their hard work, expertise and commitment to making training and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural general practice an easier option.
“Making it easier for junior doctors to work and train in regional Queensland while developing an exciting GP career means more people living in this area will be able to see a doctor close to home.”
Quotes attributable to Sheryl Lawton, CEO, Charleville & Western Areas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Ltd (CWAATSICH):
“We are excited to provide a welcoming experience for our new GP registrars and have them learn from CWAATSICH’s Model of Care and the service we provide, which is driven by our local community.
“We have a history of building long term relationships and connections with our doctors who have worked with us over the years, and we hope this innovative approach will attract the next generation of doctors for our region and the ACCHO sector.
“Working in partnership with South West HHS and the private sector Acacia Country Practice, will enable our new GP registrars to experience a broad cross section of the community which will continue to build on existing pathways of collaboration and understanding of health care in rural remote regions within a culturally safe environment.
“With supporting GP Registrars under the SEM trial, we have an opportunity to ensure that they are given that opportunity to work and learn from our Community.”
Quotes attributable to Dorothy Smith, Chairperson, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council
“ACCHOs have, for over 50 years, shown the benefit of providing care for our People and guided by our People.
“We are a critical part of the Queensland and national health system and in 2024/25 we delivered over a million episodes of care to over 150,000 clients in Queensland.
“Our staff, including our GPs, also see the value in our Model of Care and the strong understanding of culture, teamwork and prevention that is supported. We consistently see in the annual RACGP General Practice: Health of the Nation report that GPs who work in ACCHOs remained committed, and have a higher degree of satisfaction in their career.
“This trial of the ACCHO-led Single Employer Model allows a longer-term training relationship and community engagement for our next generation of GPs for our sector. It is also CWAATSICH understanding that providing care in rural and remote health is dependent upon their local and regional partners.
“CWAATSICH and QAIHC are partners in this project and understand that building our next generation of GPs is about true investment in partnership with Community.
“This trial is in line with QAIHC’s Strategic Vision of strengthening our sector, investing in workforce, culture, and community-led care for generations to come.”