Strengthening the GP workforce of the future

Brisbane North PHN is proud to announce the completion of our local chapter of the Workforce Need and Training Capacity Report 4 ahead of the statewide submission due on 1 June 2025.

This report plays a crucial role in shaping the future of general practice training across Queensland. In our region, we've taken a multi-faceted approach to stakeholder engagement to ensure our Final Priority Groups and corresponding recommendations are grounded in real-world experiences and backed by strong local intelligence.

• 95 general practice stakeholders contributed to validating the GP Training National Assessment Tool’s Workforce Need and Training Capacity assessments.
• 25 general practice consultations provided insights to shape recommendations for training capacity.
• For the first time, 67 consumers were consulted to understand the barriers they face in accessing general practice services, reinforcing our commitment to being informed and led by community voices.

In partnership with Health Consumers Queensland, four kitchen table conversations were held across the region which provided rich, personal insights that helped us better understand the challenges and expectations around accessing primary care.

Consumer participants told us:

“My personal GP is wonderful, has a holistic approach to healthcare and is well integrated into the community. He is also aware of community needs, not just medical needs.”

“The region has seen significant population growth, leading to increasing demand for healthcare services. This is putting additional pressure on the existing GP workforce.”

This work aligns closely with our PHN's vision of a community where good health is available to everyone. It also highlights critical workforce gaps that must be addressed to support a sustainable future for general practice in across our North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.

While the General Practice Workforce Planning and Prioritisation Program (GP WPP) is currently funded until December 2025, it’s clear there is more work to do. Ongoing investment and collaboration are essential to keep building a strong, responsive general practice workforce.

We are currently developing a General Practitioners’ (GP) Health Guide to the Brisbane North PHN Region – a resource which will support new Registrars by equipping them with insights into their community and patient populations.

We want to hear from general practices and GP Supervisors currently supporting Registrar placements, and those interested in doing so in the future. Your experience and involvement are vital in shaping the next generation of GPs.

Please reach out to Paul Wallwork, Lead | Workforce Planning and Prioritisation via email at Paul.Wallwork@brisbanenorthphn.org.au.