New four-year trial to give regional Queenslanders better access to GPs, doctors

Regional Queenslanders will be able to see a doctor closer to home under a new state and federal government initiative to attract and retain 60 new GPs and rural generalists.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the aim was to provide essential primary healthcare services to Queenslanders. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Regional Queenslanders will be able to see a doctor closer to home under a new initiative to attract and retain 60 new GPs and rural generalists.

The Albanese and Queensland governments are working together to deliver a new four-year Single Employer Model (SEM) trial to support the trainees across the state.

Under the program which begins next month, trainees will be salaried employees of the Queensland government, rather than changing employers every six to 12 months with each new general practice placement.

The trial expands on the successful trials conducted across Queensland in 2024 that received positive feedback from both GP trainees and general practices.

Graduates will have a guaranteed income and entitlements such as annual leave, parental leave, sick leave and other benefits received by doctors training in hospital settings.

Locating the SEM trial across the northern, central and southern Queensland regions will help general practices attract rural generalist trainees and increase access to medical services for locals in the immediate term.

It is hoped that the trainees to build local connections within the community and consider a long-term future in rural, regional and remote medicine.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls said that he welcomes the investment into the state.

“Medical workforce recruitment and retention remain a critical challenge for rural and remote communities across Queensland and we welcome this further investment into the state.

“While general practice is a Federal Government responsibility, the Queensland

government is stepping up to support the sustainability of primary care through

integrated and shared workforce models to ensure the right care is provided by the

right people in the right place, at the right time.

Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls has welcomed the trial. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Over the span of this four-year trial, access to medical skills including obstetrics and anaesthetics will be improved in small rural communities across Queensland. This will support ongoing access to primary care services and the sustainability of birthing services, a core component of the Crisafulli Government’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan,” Mr Nicholls said.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said that the aim was to provide essential primary healthcare services to Queenslanders.

“Importantly, it will make it easier for people in regional Queensland to see a doctor close to home,” he said.

The trial will be held at Townsville, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, Central Queensland, Metro North HHSs as well as Darling Downs, West Moreton, Gold Coast and Metro South HHSs

Originally published as New four-year trial to give regional Queenslanders better access to GPs, doctors