The Federal Minister for Health and Aging Nicola Roxon has revealed that a record 900 GPs have started training in 2011, a 50 per cent increase from 2007.

 

Ms Roxon also announced that 897 junior doctors would complete 12-week training programs this year, through the Government's Prevocational General Practice Placements Program, with an emphasis on training for primary care.

 

The placement scheme gives junior doctors experience in GP clinics to help them decide if a career as a GP is right for them.

 

The Federal Government is aiming to support 1200 GP training placements by 2014, an increase of 600 since 2007.

 

Over 45% of the training placements are in regional Australia.

 

“By 2020, our workforce training programs, a key part of our health reform, will result in an extra 5,500 GPs and an extra 680 specialist doctors." Ms Roxon said.