General Practice & Divisions

There are 121 Divisions of General Practice throughout Australia with 30 in Victoria. Each covers a specified geographical area, and is incorporated as an association or company largely funded by the Federal Government (Department of Health and Ageing). 95% of GPs across Australia are voluntary members of Divisions and receive support, coordinated education opportunities and facilitation in networking with their colleagues and other health providers. Divisions of General Practice provide the Federal and State Governments with a focal point to facilitate communication with GPs. This allows Governments, through Divisions, to deliver a range of national health programs and policies.

Although in their infancy divisions have overcome arising challenges, such as:

• the adoption of outcomes focused funding.
• the ongoing need to ensuring an active membership base.
• retaining local autonomy while achieving national program goals.