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SA sees huge uptake in future GPs in boost for primary care workforce

Royal Australian College of GPs

Patients in South Australia will soon find it easier than ever to see a GP, with a record surge of future specialist GPs commencing training in the Commonwealth-funded Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program with the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).

In 2026, 154 future GPs have commenced training in South Australia, a 35% increase on 2025 and one of the most significant jumps nationwide. Of these:

• 74 are training on an AGPT rural training pathway, an 85% increase from 2025, substantially improving access to care in South Australian MM2–7 rural, remote, and regional communities
• 80 are training on the general pathway, a modest increase from last year
• 32, or 21% of the cohort, will train as Rural Generalists (RGs), a subspecialty of general practice which includes an additional year of advanced rural skills to provide emergency and hospital services across rural South Australia.

South Australia’s 35% growth in new registrars is a standout result, demonstrating renewed enthusiasm for GP careers across the state. The uplift reflects the success of training experiences that provide strong foundations, highly engaged supervisors, and supportive rural practices.

RACGP South Australia Chair Dr Siân Goodson said the dramatic rise in registrar numbers was excellent news for South Australian communities.

“A 35% increase in future GPs choosing South Australia is a remarkable result. It shows clear and growing confidence in general practice and in the training opportunities our state offers,” she said.

“The 85% growth in rural pathway registrars is especially significant. It means more doctors training in communities where their impact is immediate and deeply felt.

“We’re seeing the results of training environments that are supportive, skills-rich, and community-focused. When registrars have positive experiences, the whole state benefits, particularly rural and regional areas that rely on a strong GP workforce.

“We must build on this momentum. Sustained investment in supervisors, rural practices, and training infrastructure will help ensure communities across South Australia can access high-quality primary care.”

A further 49 eligible doctors applied to train as GPs in South Australia, indicating that with additional Commonwealth-funded AGPT places and increased support for GP supervisors, the RACGP can train even more specialist GPs across the state.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright called on the Federal Government to continue investing in training to support all communities’ access to high-quality general practice.

“We’ve worked with the Federal Government to fill all available Australian GP Training Program places for the second year running,” he said.

“The astounding 47% national growth in rural pathway training shows clearly that funding gets results.

“Registrars and medical students who experience rural general practice are far more likely to stay rural. South Australia’s dramatic increase in rural pathway uptake is a strong example of this.

“Applications to train as a specialist GP have increased 81% since 2024. Doctors are choosing general practice because it offers excellent training, rewarding patient relationships, and a sustainable career.

“Australia needs more specialist GPs, and the RACGP is ready to train them. We’re calling for long-term, stable investment beyond 2028 to ensure communities don’t miss out.”

~ENDS

About us:

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.

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