Australia is not generating enough general practitioners (GPs) to meet community need now and into the future. Modelling demonstrates a growing shortfall of GPs, with 7,700 more GPs needed by 2033 growing to 12,400 more GPs needed by 2048. 

This impact analysis examines options for Australian Government action to grow Australia’s GP workforce to better meet community need. It explores the status quo (continuing existing investment in programs) as well as three packages of policy options. 

The impact analysis considers the impact of options across population groups, stakeholders and medical training, and makes recommendations based on viability, impact, public value creation and fiscal responsibility. Options considered are scalable and not necessarily mutually exclusive. Consistent with ‘smart regulation’ principles, many of the options considered in the analysis could be implemented as complementary measures that increase the overall effectiveness of government action.

Package 1 – the most comprehensive option – is identified as having the most positive impact on the policy objectives and on the various stakeholder groups. 

Assessment of the impact analysis: adequate.