Australian Health Directory

Divisions and Medicare Locals

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) is the peak national body, representing 120 local area-based divisions of general practice and state and territory-based alliances. Over 95 per cent of general practitioners are members of their local division.

The AGPN delivers local health solutions through general practice and represents the views of general practitioners at a national level.

The divisions, the AGPN, and state and territory-based alliances are not-for-profit, non-government organisations, governed by elected board of directors. The AGPN has division representatives from each state on its board.

The AGPN and the divisions receive their funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, state and territory governments, local governments and other sources.

The objects of these organisations include: being a voice of general practitioners; develop and communicate policy positions in relation to issues affecting general practitioners and the public; influence and implement primary health care reform; liaise with other organisations in relation to health service planning; provide advocacy to members; and support GPs with resources, professional development, business and systems development, communication, collaboration and networking.

Some of the state-based alliances are registered training organisations. They focus on both internal and external stakeholders and aim to facilitate opportunities for greater consumer and community engagement with divisions.