GPs are leaving due to overwhelming workload and administrative burden, unsustainable finances (especially with low Medicare rebates), and high stress/burnout, making the job less rewarding than other specialties. Issues like poor pay compared to specialists, excessive paperwork, compliance pressures, and loss of employee benefits during training push many to reduce hours, retire, or switch careers, impacting patient access, particularly in rural areas.
In recent years, the number of GPs in Australia has increased 5.1%, from 37,530 in 2019 to 39,449 in 2024. Australia is critically short of GPs – and the shortfall is growing, predicted to be 8,600 GPs by 2048.
Stress was identified as the main factor forcing GPs to consider leaving the profession. It was cited by nearly half (44%) of respondents thinking about cutting their careers short, whilst 39% planned to leave to retire.
Over one-third – 35% – said they have considered leaving medical practice since the start of 2025. Among those who have considered leaving this year, the top reason given was personal burnout, followed by retirement and clinical demands. *Based on 395 respondents who said they have considered leaving medical practice.
There are not enough staff. There are not enough appointments. There is no system which can conjure appointments from nowhere for everyone. All the urgent extras which can be squeezed into the GP schedules even when there technically isn't time, are already there.
What is Jess's Rule? Jess's Rule asks GP teams to 'reflect, review and rethink' if a patient presents three times with the same or escalating symptoms. Reflect: Think back on what the patient has said and consider what has changed or been missed. Offer ongoing episodic continuity of care for future direct patient care.
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.
Ultimately, as shown by the data, it's no surprise that surgeons are the most often sued professionals in the medical field with 90% of surgeon participants having been involved in a legal dispute regarding medical malpractice.
Common reasons GPs retire early
You're exhausted and can't face another winter. The joy of general practice has faded. You're ready to prioritise your health or family. You feel like the system is working against you.
About 85% of physicians are married, according to an online survey, and these doctors often marry other doctors or other health professionals.
Additionally, in some cases bulk billing incentives are paid on top of the consultation fees, making it potentially quite lucrative for the GP. With recent investment into Medicare, bulk billing has been on the rise – there were 5.4 million additional bulk billed visits from November 2023-24.
They were:
New requirements in the 2025/26 GP core contract
There is a new requirement in this year's contract that practices must keep their online consultation tool open to allow patients to submit non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests throughout core hours (8.00am–6.30pm).
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.
A dispensing fee will also be paid for each item administered. Profits made on these drug purchases will therefore be largely dependent on the cost of these items. A typical non- dispensing GP practice would expect a drug profit of around 25-30%, while dispensing practices can aim for 30-35%.
These specialties have a high demand in Australia:
The analysis of NHS figures shows that almost 8,000 fully qualified GPs are over 55, making up 22% of the total. Of these, 3,700 (10%) were aged 60 or more while 1,470 (4%) were aged over 65. Previous polling has found that almost half (47%) of GPs said they intend to retire at or before 60.
Although physicians may intend to retire at the age of 60, they will in fact typically retire at around 69. Commonly-reported reasons include career satisfaction, a feeling of purpose, strong work identity and lack of interests outside of Medicine.
The rule, which says it's generally safe to withdraw 4% of a balanced portfolio annually, adjusted for inflation, for a 30-year retirement was first described in a 1994 paper published in the Journal of Financial Planning by financial advisor Bill Bengen.
Medical Specialities with Lowest Reported Salaries
Failure to diagnose or a delay in diagnosis
This is the most common malpractice allegation made by patients. To prevent an incorrect or missed diagnosis, make sure you are diligent in following patients' complaints to a full diagnosis. Also, be familiar with the error rates of your diagnostic instruments.
Surgical specialties with the highest-risk profiles pay the highest malpractice premiums. These specialties include neurosurgeons, OBGYNs, general surgeons, bariatric surgeons, plastic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons.
Racially, the composition of U.S. physicians indicates that 56.3% identify as White, 18% as Asian, 8.9% as Hispanic or Latino, and 4.7% as Black or African American.
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.
The specialties with the lowest supply adequacy in 2038 are vascular surgery (66%), ophthalmology (72%), thoracic surgery (73%), plastic surgery (74%), and family medicine (76%). emergency medicine (116%), critical care and pulmonology medicine (112%), endocrinology (109%), and neonatology (106%).