Australian Medical Association (NSW), Media Release, 5 July 2023

AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Bonning, said the expansion of the GP Single-Employer Model is a big win for patient access to quality health services in rural and regional communities in NSW.

Dr Bonning said the Model, which allows doctors to train in State-run hospitals as well as private clinics, will provide funding for 80 rural generalist GPs in NSW from next year.

“This is great news for rural communities,” Dr Bonning said.

“It will help overcome GP workforce shortages by making rural practice more attractive for GPs.

“Rural and regional communities will have greater options to attract and retain GPs to provide essential health services.

“It is an important step in restoring GPs as the life blood of country towns across the State – supporting them to live and work in regional communities for the long term.

“AMA (NSW) has been working alongside rural and other health organisations for solutions to the rural GP workforce crisis for years.

“But this is just the beginning. This is just one part of addressing the GP shortage nationally in cities and the regions. There is so much more to do. 

“The AMA will work closely with the State and Federal Governments to further support GPs and general practice and improve access to quality primary health care for all Australians, no matter where they live,” Dr Bonning said.

Dr Bonning said that AMA (NSW) also welcomes yesterday’s announcement from the Federal Government that universities can now apply for additional Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) for rural-trained medical students, as well as capital funding for new regional training facilities.