More Australians are seeing their GP than at any time in the past five years, according to new research reinforcing the central role of general practice in Australia's healthcare system.
The NAB Health Insights Report, based on a survey of more than 1000 Australians, found 85% visited a GP in the past year, up from 80% in 2025.
GPs remained Australia's most visited health professionals, ahead of pharmacies (66%) and dentists (58%).
The report also found:
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76% of people who visited a GP ranked them as the most important health practitioner for themselves or their family
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98% of Australians aged 65 and over visited a GP in the past year
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patients rated the quality of care they received from their GP at 8.1 out of 10, up from 8.0 last year
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patients rated the ease of accessing GP care at 7.4 out of 10, up from 7.3 last year.
Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright said the findings showed Australians continued to turn to their GPs for trusted, high-quality care.
"These results tell an encouraging story. More Australians are seeing their GP, and patients clearly recognise the value of general practice," he said.
"GPs are the most visited health professionals in Australia, and that reflects the trust Australians place in the care we provide.
"There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history.
"Your GP looks at your whole health, not just one symptom or condition. They can identify underlying problems, manage complex health needs and provide ongoing care that helps you stay healthy.
"That's why the relationship between a patient and their regular GP is so important, and why we must protect it."
Dr Wright said the findings, including the increased proportion of patients being fully bulk billed (68% in 2026 vs 58% in 2025) reinforce the need to build on recent investments in general practice and ensure all Australians can access comprehensive, ongoing care.
"Australians have made it clear they value the comprehensive, ongoing care their GPs provide. Governments should build on that strength by continuing to invest in accessible, affordable general practice," he said.
"Making healthcare more convenient is important, but convenience must never come at the expense of patient safety or continuity of care."
~ENDS
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the voice of general practitioners (GPs) in our growing cities and throughout rural and remote Australia. For more than 60 years, we’ve supported the backbone of Australia’s health system by setting the standards for education and practice and advocating for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.
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