RACGP's July 2026 communique
Published on June 30, 2026
RACGP communique for July 2026: for more information visit racgp.org.au
Incentive payments available from 2026.1
Three government incentive payments are available to support your registrars through training. Here’s what you need to know.
Study leave incentive ahead of exams
With exams coming up, registrars may have questions about study leave and the government incentives available from 2026.1.
Study leave isn't a paid entitlement under the NTCER, but registrars can negotiate unpaid leave directly with their training site. We recognise up to six days per training year (pro rata) as training time – registrars only need to notify their training coordinator or medical educator if they’re planning to take more.
From 2026.1, registrars who have arranged unpaid study leave may be able to access the study leave incentive through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA). It covers up to five days (38 hours) per training year (pro rata), paid at NTCER base rates + 12% uplift to represent superannuation + 10% loading – helping offset income lost while they prepare for exams or attend approved professional development. No more than two of those days can be used for structured activities outside work hours, such as conferences or workshops. Unused leave doesn't carry over between training years.
To access the incentive, registrars will need to:
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negotiate unpaid study leave with their training site
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complete the leave application form and declaration in the Training Management System (TMS) document library
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submit the completed form to their training coordinator via email.
The RACGP then processes approved payments via Services Australia, paid monthly in arrears.
Two additional incentives are also available from 2026.1:
Parental leave incentive: Primary carers can receive up to 20 weeks (FTE); secondary carers up to two weeks. Payments are based on NTCER base rates + 12% uplift to represent superannuation.
GPT1 salary incentive: Registrars undertaking their first six-month core general practice term may receive $5,000 (FTE) per month.
All payments are pro-rated for part-time registrars and administered by the RACGP on behalf of Services Australia. Registrars are responsible for managing their own taxation and superannuation obligations.
Eligibility criteria are available via the DoHDA's GP Training Incentive Payments webpage and the AGPT Registrar Handbook.
Updated orientation checklists
We have updated our orientation checklists following consultation with practice manager liaison officers and supervisor liaison officers. The single checklist has been replaced by three targeted checklists:
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A checklist for practice managers for use before the placement, including reminders about obtaining provider numbers and Medicare paperwork, completing contracts and setting up practice systems before the registrar's arrival.
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An orientation checklist for practices with GPT1 registrars that incorporates the Early Assessment for Safety and Learning. It includes a draft two-day timeline where most items on the checklist can be completed.
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An orientation checklist for practices with GPT2, GPT3 or extended skills registrars that recommends at least the first half day of the placement is set aside for orientation.
The checklists have also incorporated suggestions from the GP Registrar Wellbeing Project and a reminder about discussing AI tools with the registrar.
All checklists can be downloaded and edited for your practice context. They're available in the training management system under AGPT supervisor resources and on our website.
Education calendars are now available
The out-of-practice education calendars are now available on our website and in the TMS. To access them in the TMS, go to ‘Quick Links and Subscriptions’ and select ‘Registrar Training Requirements’.
The calendars outline your out-of-practice education requirements and key dates based on your training stage. While the content is consistent across regions, event dates vary by location, so be sure to select your region to view the information relevant to you.
Have questions? Your training coordinator is here to help.
New enhanced EAP and GP support program provider – Sonder
RACGP has partnered with Sonder to enhance wellbeing and support services for eligible members and their immediate family members.
Sonder is now available through the mobile app, giving you access to:
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24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support
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safety and check-in features
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self-guided wellbeing resources
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medical support.
To get started, visit GP support program for a step-by-step guide to downloading and accessing the Sonder app.