More than 100 overseas-trained GPs have applied to work in Australia since the introduction of a fast-tracked accreditation process, with ten applying to work in WA.
In October last year the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency introduced an expedited specialist pathway to allow doctors from approved countries to apply for registration with the regulator without first being assessed by the RACGP.
Doctors from the UK, Ireland and New Zealand are able to apply to work in Australia through the pathway.
Of the total applicants only 11 have been approved for practice so far, none of which have listed WA as their place of practice.
The remaining doctors are still being assessed, with most applications waiting on additional evidence or information.
Ahpra confirmed it is currently receiving between 10 and 15 applications each week from GPs. Around 80% of applications are from the UK.
The new pathway was introduced after a review held in 2023 by retired public servant Robyn Kruk urged the government to fast-track the accreditation process.
The Medical Board announced the new pathway in late April 2024, sparking concern from the RACGP and other groups. Since 2005, suitability to practice in Australia has been assessed by the relevant specialist medical college.
The College has been clear that health ministers and the regulator must take full responsibility if anything goes wrong under the fast-tracked process.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said international medical practitioners are vital for the country’s health system, but need the support of professional bodies like the College to ensure they can practice to their full potential.
“Success cannot be measured on who did it faster, we must consider whether doctors are being placed where they are most needed, whether they receive enough support to adapt to the Australian context, and whether measures are in place to ensure patient safety is not compromised,” she told Medical Forum.
“Australians have confidence that the GP they visit has a consistent standard of training and capability. Our rigorous evaluations of the suitability of GPs which cover their experience, context, training and assessments, cannot be replaced by simple paper-based assessments.
“RACGP has already managed to simplify and speed up processing for overseas specialists, without sacrificing quality and patient safety.”
Dr Ramya added that the fast-tracked registration process was a short-term solution.
“What Australia really needs is investment in training more ‘home-grown’ GPs to meet increasing patient demand and ensure every community has access to care. With the help of government funding, the RACGP has a record number of GPs training in 2025, but we can train more, with more government funding support.
“The RACGP is helping to build the highly qualified, safe general practice workforce, and we are best placed to provide quality support to doctors who are moving here to care for our communities too.”
The new data comes as further specialists are added to the expedited pathway.
Internationally trained psychiatrists and anaesthetists from approved countries can also now apply for registration directly to Ahpra and the Medical Board.
Anaesthetists from Ireland and the UK are eligible to apply, as well as psychiatrists from the UK.
Overseas-trained specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists are set to be able to access the pathway from early 2025.
The Federal Government has maintained that the reforms will not compromise robust safety standards.
Doctors will still need to meet the same language and background criminal checks, and will undergo six months of supervision after their registration is approved.