The number of doctors in Australia isn't strictly "controlled" by one entity, but influenced by the Commonwealth Government setting university medical student places, the Medical Board of Australia (via Ahpra) managing registration, and workforce planning by the Department of Health, all aiming to meet community needs through strategies like the National Medical Workforce Strategy. Universities decide how many doctors graduate, while Ahpra ensures they meet standards to practice, balancing domestic training with reliance on overseas-trained doctors.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency's (Ahpra) Medical Board of Australia regulates doctors and specialists. All medical practitioners must be registered with the board and meet registration standards.
Physicians (per 1,000 people) in Australia was reported at 3.981 in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Australia - Physicians - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on January of 2026.
Historically, from time to time there has been a shortage of qualified medical practitioners in Australia, especially in rural Australia, and the Australian Government has at times encouraged immigration for such graduates to Australia.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods such as medicines, medical devices, and diagnostic tests.
You can call Ahpra on 1300 419 495 or make a complaint via Ahpra's website.
Responsibilities for financial stability are shared across four main agencies in Australia – the RBA, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Treasury.
GP Salary Ranges and Job Listings
GP salaries in Australia vary widely, depending on location, practice type, and experience level. Here are some approximate salary ranges for GPs in different locations: Metropolitan areas: $150,000 – $300,000 per year. Rural areas: $200,000 – $400,000 per year.
Most of our international workforce is trained in the United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, South Africa, and Southeast and South Asian countries. As of 2021, over 50% of international doctors were trained in the UK, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
Global view. In the US alone, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates a shortage of 91,500 physicians by 2020 and up to 130,600 by the year 2025.
The best doctors in the world are often found in countries with top-ranked healthcare systems and medical education. These include the United States, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
No, Australia is not 90% white; while a large majority identify with European ancestry (around 76-80% in recent years), a significant and growing portion identifies as Asian, African, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous, making it a highly multicultural nation with diverse ethnic backgrounds, not overwhelmingly white. Recent census data shows European ancestry (English, Irish, etc.) makes up a large chunk, but Asian ancestries are also substantial, with over 17% Asian population and around 3.8% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, per the 2021 census data from Wikipedia.
Number of patients seen per hour
Longer and shorter sessions are possible and will change your annual earnings. Typically, GPs will average 4–5 patients per hour but this is largely dependent on your patient profile and practice mix.
Orthopaedic surgery
Aspiring orthopaedic surgeons in Australia must complete three years of postgraduate clinical work before applying to one of the most competitive training programs in Australia.
Every individual or partnership of GPs must hold an NHS GP contract to run an NHS-commissioned general practice. These contracts set out mandatory requirements and services for all general practices, as well making provisions for several types of other services that practices may also provide, if they so choose.
The country with the most doctors per capita is Cuba, with 8.4 doctors per 1,000 people. Cuba, which has a population of about 11 million, is known for producing well-trained doctors and often sends many of their doctors abroad to other countries.
Yes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are eligible for significant free or subsidised healthcare, primarily through the Medicare system, including free annual health checks (715 checks), support for chronic conditions, mental health services, and cheaper medicines under the Closing the Gap (CTG) program, helping address health disparities. These programs provide access to tailored care, early detection, preventative services, and essential medications.
There are so many Indian doctors in Australia due to a combination of Australia's demand for skilled health workers, better pay and lifestyle compared to India or the UK, streamlined skilled migration pathways, and the fact that Indian medical training (MBBS) is often in English and recognized globally, making it a strong route for emigration. Factors like higher living standards, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth attract Indian doctors seeking improved quality of life, while Australia relies on them to fill workforce shortages, especially in rural areas.
The $20 million paid for the Aboriginal flag's copyright went to Luritja artist Harold Thomas, the flag's designer, and the license holders, with the Australian Federal Government acquiring the rights in 2022 to make the flag freely available for public use, ending long-standing disputes and licensing issues. The deal also included funding for an Indigenous student scholarship and directing royalties to NAIDOC.
The highest-paid doctors in Australia are typically specialist surgeons, with Neurosurgeons often leading the list, earning well over $500,000 and potentially up to $850,000+ annually, followed closely by Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons, Ophthalmologists, and ENT Surgeons, who also command high incomes due to the complexity and demand for their skills, with some consultant surgeons earning over $600,000 in private practice. Other top earners include Anaesthetists and Radiologists.
Unlike hospital doctors, GPs are not employed by the NHS – the practice works like a small business, receiving a sum of money per patient.
Jobs paying $500k+ in Australia are primarily in highly specialized fields like Medical Specialists (surgeons, anaesthetists), Senior Finance/Executive Roles (CFO, Head of Treasury, Investment Directors), and high-end Sales & Construction Management (Elite Stockbrokers, Senior Project Managers/Estimators in complex sectors). While roles like Neurosurgeon and Ophthalmologist average well over $500k, achieving this in other sectors often involves performance-based bonuses or leading major projects, with opportunities listed on job boards like SEEK and Jora.
In Australia the powers of the King have been delegated by the Australian Constitution to his representative in Australia, the Governor-General. That is, while Australia's head of state is the King, the functions of head of state are performed by the Governor-General.
If you have over $250k in an Australian bank, you should spread it across different Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) like banks, building societies, or credit unions to ensure all funds are protected under the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), as the guarantee only covers up to $250,000 per person, per ADI, and be mindful that some large banks own smaller ones (e.g., NAB & ubank). Beyond basic protection, consider investing the excess for growth (like shares, property, or managed funds), paying down high-interest debt, boosting superannuation, or seeking financial advice for long-term wealth management.
Red flag: Products come before planning
"The recommendations for products emerge from the financial plan, they don't come before the financial plan." Pitching products early on could indicate that you are dealing with a salesperson rather than an advisor acting in your best interest.