Dear Members of the GPSN community,
I am both proud and energised to share the exciting developments that have unfolded since our last update. The past few months have been filled with advocacy, progress, and a deepening commitment to shaping the future of general practice.
Advocacy at the national level: GPSN at Parliament
In a significant milestone for GPSN, we recently took our advocacy efforts straight to Parliament in Canberra, engaging with MPs on key issues affecting general practice training. One of the most pressing concerns is the looming possibility of a pay cut for general practice trainees when they transition from hospital roles to community-based training. In addition, they stand to lose critical benefits such as paid exam study leave and parental leave. These are essential entitlements that should not be compromised.
We are fighting for pay parity and equal benefits, ensuring that general practice trainees are not left behind compared to their hospital-based counterparts. Our goal is to secure a future where your transition to general practice is seamless and fully supported. We hope that during your time in medical school, you will witness the changes we are spearheading begin to take effect, thanks to our efforts to shape a fairer and more sustainable training environment.
Reflecting on our journey: Challenges and growth
As we reach this point in the year, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey through medical school. The challenges we face as students, from academic pressures to navigating career choices, can sometimes feel overwhelming. But it is important to remember that you are not alone in this. The GPSN community is here to support you every step of the way.
As you continue to balance study, placements, and personal time, I urge you to lean on your peers, mentors, and the GPSN. Together, we can not only survive but thrive in this demanding environment.
Looking ahead: Building on momentum
The work we’ve done so far is just the beginning. As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for a better general practice training framework, organise more impactful events, and create opportunities for you to engage meaningfully with your future profession.
In exciting news, we will soon announce the 2025 GPSN National Leadership Team. The enthusiasm and calibre of every applicant have been incredibly impressive, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. I’m confident the 2025 team will continue driving GPSN forward.
Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are also rapidly approaching for a lot of your local clubs. Now is a great time to get involved in your local club and help lead the future of general practice!
Final thoughts
Your passion, dedication, and resilience are what make GPSN the thriving network it is today. Let’s continue working together to create a future where general practice is recognised, supported, and celebrated.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and hearing your feedback on how we can further enhance our community!
Warmest regards,
