RACGP

13/03/2026

From January, concession card holders can access pharmacy prescribed contraceptives across Australia under a new trial from the Federal Government – a plan slammed by the RACGP for being ‘unsafe’, ‘dangerous’, and ‘lobby led’.

The Federal Government pilot allows concession card holders to access pharmacy prescribed contraceptives – a shock move labelled ‘unsafe’ and...

13/03/2026

Australians deserve to know why their government is overriding the advice of the nation’s independent medicines regulator: https://bit.ly/4bi8Lz3

13/03/2026

We’re grateful for the support of our partners in making RACGP Hackathon 2026 a huge success.

With thanks to:
Healthengine
Lyrebird
HotDoc
Best Practice
HealthShare
Heidi
Avant
Ozdoc

12/03/2026

A letter sent by a Labor MP to a general practice in their electorate has raised concerns about pressure tactics being applied to clinics not adopting the Federal Government’s preferred bulk-billing model.

The letter, addressed to a local general practice, expresses ‘disappointment’ that it has not switched billing models.

12/03/2026

RACGP Hackathon 2026: Meet the judges

We’re excited to introduce our RACGP Hackathon judging panel who'll be assessing ideas at this weekend's event. With their combined expertise across general practice, digital health, innovation and policy, our judges bring deep insight into the future of primary care.

Dr Michael Wright – President, RACGP
Dr Ramya Raman – Vice President, RACGP
Dr Marcus Tan – GP and digital health entrepreneur
Penny Shakespeare – Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing

11/03/2026

‘Doesn’t pass the pub test’: There’s a ‘huge financial disincentive’ for GPs to undertake home visits, says one RACGP expert, after his analysis revealed an 85% drop in the visits over three decades.

Analysis shows GP home visits have fallen 85% in three decades – experts say the key driver is remuneration that ‘doesn’t pass the pub test’.

11/03/2026

Great ideas are powered by strong connections – and good coffee. Thank you to our partners Bupa and Rxtro for your generous support of RACGP Hackathon 2026.

10/03/2026

Researchers have developed a new screening tool to identify endometriosis risk factors from an earlier age, hoping it could one day help guide referrals in primary care and accelerate treatment.

The new tool can quickly identify at-risk patients, aiming to reduce diagnostic delays, support GPs’ clinical decision making, and guide referrals.

09/03/2026

A new set of ‘National Telehealth Standards’ has been launched by Patients Australia, and while the group says it is the result of ‘extensive consultation’, GPs have raised concerns about its legitimacy.

A consortium of telehealth companies and insurers has published its own ‘National Telehealth Standards’ – but how official are they?

06/03/2026

The RACGP is calling out the Pharmacy Guild after it reportedly wined and dined with the Prime Minister and Treasurer at a lavish birthday event, with such attendances setting the Guild back up to $110,000 per year.

The RACGP is calling out the Guild for reportedly paying up to $110,000 to attend such events, saying Australia needs ‘policy based on evidence,...

05/03/2026

Experts are calling for a funding rethink as health systems in Australia and around the world become more reliant on GPs to meet rising complex health needs.

General practice is becoming more heavily relied on to tackle complex care, while the admin burden grows, according to fresh research urging change.

04/03/2026

The DoHDA has confirmed there are no immediate plans to include individual GP fees in a rebooted Medical Costs Finder website, adding that it would consult with the RACGP if that were to change.

It says legislation allowing the publishing of fees was set up to ‘allow flexibility’, but adding individual GP details is not the plan.