The study presents long-term projections of supply and demand for medical practitioners, indicating that Australia’s medical workforce is likely to remain significantly balanced (±3%) over the next 25 years, with supply expected to reach over 200,000 medical practitioners by 2048.

The key challenge with the Australian medical workforce is that, while estimates suggest that there may be enough medical practitioners, they are not optimally distributed across specialties, sectors, settings and locations to meet the needs of the Australian community. This in turn drives international recruitment.

The study highlights the need for a more flexible and supportive medical system to optimise workforce distribution through education, training and career support. Collective efforts are essential to prioritise workplace safety and culture, ensuring the retention and attraction of doctors where they are most needed. Although the projected number of doctors is sufficient, retention strategies are crucial as data indicates ongoing attrition.