About the initiative
We are offering incentives to GP trainees to make their employment conditions similar to those in hospital-based training programs. To qualify, GP trainees must be enrolled in a Commonwealth-funded GP training pathway under the Australian General Practice Training Program or Remote Vocational Training Scheme.
The department is consulting with the GP training sector to develop eligibility criteria and policy settings.
Salary incentive
A $30,000 incentive for doctors as they enter GP training and commence training in community-based primary care.
Study leave incentive
5 days of study leave incentive per training year. This will assist GP trainees to study for and attend exams and to attend professional development activities. It will be available to new and continuing GP trainees.
Parental leave incentive
Up to 20 weeks of parental leave incentive for eligible primary and secondary caregivers. This will be available to new and continuing GP trainees.
The incentives will be paid via the National Consistent Payment Framework from the first training semester in 2026.
Goals
Intended outcomes of the incentive payments are to:
- encourage more doctors to enter GP training
- bridge the gap between hospital-based and community based specialty training entitlements
- support doctors, including their wellbeing, during GP training
- improve access to quality GP services for patients.
Why it is important
The GP registrar incentive payments will provide better conditions for GP trainees, helping attract more doctors to start a career in general practice. An increase of doctors joining GP training will result in Australian communities having greater access to GP services.
Contact
