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GPs invited to feed into the next RACGP advocacy plan
Consultation has been launched for GP feedback to help shape the college’s new plan, underpinned by a commitment to member-led advocacy.
The RACGP wants its Advocacy Plan to be built by, and for members, who will help shape the new plan and advocate for changes most important to them and their patients.
The RACGP is developing its second Advocacy Plan to build on existing momentum, with member consultation now open.
By feeding into the next plan, GPs can help to create solutions for general practice, ensure the college’s advocacy reflects their priorities, and the voice of their patients is also heard.
The college’s inaugural 2024–25 Advocacy Plan was launched at last year’s Practice Owners Conference. It helped lead to major increases to the GP workforce and Medicare funding, including an historic $8.5 billion injection announced in the 2025–26 Federal Budget.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright encourages members to have their say about college advocacy priorities.
‘Our first Advocacy Plan paved a pathway of priorities for our college and the profession,’ he told newsGP.
‘The plan helped target our advocacy and led to multiple positive outcomes for general practice.
‘Now, we’re looking forward to building on this momentum as we develop our next plan, and we need members to help us shape it.
‘Member feedback will enable us to keep advocating for changes important to GPs and their patients and lead us on the path to a better health system with financially viable general practices at the heart – it will help support the primary care workforce.’
The 2026–29 plan will align with the college’s 2025–29 Strategy to better deliver on both plans’ objectives. The strategy focuses on general practice sustainability under four pillars:
- An outstanding Fellowship
- A flourishing GP workforce
- A future-ready profession
- General practice at the heart of the health system
Described at
its 2024 launch as ‘the college’s compass’ to guide clear, consistent, and targeted advocacy, the 2024–25 Advocacy Plan was designed to ‘adapt and evolve with necessary change’.
Dr Wright says the new plan builds off this.
‘With a newly elected Federal Government, now is the time to work closely with members on how they see the future of our profession, as well as continuing our relationship with the Government,’ he said.
Dr Wright said the college has an ongoing commitment to member-led advocacy and ensuring it reflects member priorities.
‘The RACGP’s Advocacy Plan provides clarity and transparency to members on our advocacy priorities, and also empowers them to get involved,’ he said.
‘We want to ensure this plan is built by, and for members.
‘This is a great opportunity to provide feedback and help us shape the new plan and keep advocating for changes that are important to you.’
Members can
submit feedback on the new plan until Friday 20 June. Combined feedback will then be discussed and considered by faculty councils, RACGP Expert Committees, and other groups within the college.
The RACGP is also running a consultation webinar on Tuesday 10 June at 7.00 pm (AEST).
Register online.
Joining Dr Wright on the panel are:
- Dr Siân Goodson, RACGP Board Chair and SA Chair
- Dr Karen Nicholls, Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
- Dr Ramya Raman, RACGP Vice President and WA Chair
- Shayne Sutton, RACGP Chief Advocacy Officer.
Additionally, members are encouraged to join the RACGP’s
GP Advocate Network.
The network trains and supports members to build long-term relationships with elected representatives in their local community, to help shape local, state and national health policies.
The growing group of advocates
from around Australia currently sits at around 130, with the goal to have a network of fully trained, active and engaged GP advocates advocating to all Federal and State MPs.
Log in below to join the conversation.
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