As one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, Brisbane is experiencing a healthcare challenge that’s been building quietly but steadily—a significant surge in demand for General Practitioners (GPs). GP job openings in Brisbane have reached record highs, as medical recruitment agencies and clinics across the region report mounting difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified GPs. But what exactly is behind this trend, and what does it mean for both doctors and patients in Queensland’s capital?
Monique Giron and Martina Stanley, co-directors of Alecto Australia, a leading medical recruitment agency, understand the factors driving this growing demand and what solutions might be on the horizon.
Population Growth and Urban Expansion
First and foremost, Brisbane’s rapid population growth is placing immense pressure on the city’s healthcare system. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Brisbane’s population grew by over 2% in 2023 alone, with much of the expansion occurring in outer suburbs like Logan, Ipswich, and Redland Bay. These areas, while affordable and family-friendly, often lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure.
“The population boom in Brisbane isn’t just in the city center,” says Martina Stanley. “We’re seeing growth across suburban and semi-rural areas, which traditionally haven’t had the same level of access to GPs. As these communities expand, the strain on existing healthcare services increases—and so does the urgency to fill those GP roles.”
The Australian Government’s classification system for Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs), which identifies regions in need of healthcare professionals, has recently expanded to include more of Brisbane’s outer suburbs, confirming the critical need for more practitioners.
A Shifting Workforce Landscape
Another factor fueling the demand is the changing demographics of the GP workforce itself. A large portion of Australia’s general practitioners are approaching retirement age, with insufficient numbers of young doctors choosing general practice as their specialty. While Brisbane is a popular city for new medical graduates, many are opting for hospital-based specialties or urban locations with perceived lifestyle advantages.
“The issue isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about distribution,” explains Monique Giron. “We have incredibly talented young doctors entering the workforce, but not enough are choosing general practice, and even fewer are willing to work in the areas where they’re needed most.”
Alecto Australia has found that many GPs are also looking for flexible work arrangements, a supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional development—factors that clinics must now prioritize if they want to attract and retain talent.
Increased Patient Expectations and Complexity
Modern patients expect more from their GPs than ever before. As awareness of mental health, chronic disease, and preventative care grows, GPs are expected to manage more complex health issues—often within shorter consultation windows. Add to this the lingering impact of COVID-19 on healthcare behaviors, and it’s no surprise that the workload for GPs is intensifying.
Clinics are seeing higher demand for same-day appointments, longer consultations, and a greater reliance on technology to manage patient records and telehealth sessions.
“The role of a GP today is vastly different from a decade ago,” says Martina Stanley. “They’re not just treating coughs and colds—they’re managing chronic illness, mental health issues, family planning, and increasingly complex care plans. It’s a rewarding job, but also incredibly demanding.”
This shift in patient expectations means that even as new GPs enter the field, more are needed to meet the growing complexity of care—particularly in high-growth urban settings like Brisbane.
Immigration and Policy Challenges
Historically, many of the GP shortages in Australia were addressed through international recruitment. However, visa restrictions, changing Medicare regulations, and post-pandemic policy shifts have made it more challenging for overseas-trained doctors (OTDs) to work in Brisbane.
Despite government incentives to encourage doctors to work in regional and outer metro areas, the process of recruiting, relocating, and integrating international doctors has become increasingly bureaucratic.
Opportunities for Clinics Willing to Adapt
Despite the challenges, Alecto Australia sees a huge opportunity for proactive medical practices. Clinics that offer mentorship, flexible scheduling, competitive remuneration, and supportive workplace culture are finding it easier to fill roles—even in high-demand areas like Brisbane.
That includes adopting technology to streamline workflows, offering part-time or telehealth options, and providing ongoing training and career progression.
Alecto’s Role in the Changing Landscape
With over a decade of experience in medical recruitment, Alecto Australia is at the forefront of connecting quality GPs with the practices that need them. By offering personalized support for both clinics and candidates, Monique and Martina have built a reputation for bridging the gap between opportunity and talent.
“At the end of the day, it’s about people,” says Monique Giron. “Behind every GP vacancy is a community that needs care, and behind every candidate is someone looking to make a meaningful difference. We take pride in making those connections.”
Alecto’s unique combination of data-driven insights and personal attention allows them to match GPs with roles where they’ll not only succeed but thrive—especially in cities like Brisbane, where the need is great, but the potential is even greater.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The rising demand for GPs in Brisbane is a multifaceted issue, driven by population growth, workforce changes, patient complexity, and policy constraints. But it’s also a call to action—for clinics to adapt, for policymakers to support sustainable pathways, and for the broader healthcare community to recognize the evolving needs of both doctors and patients.