Capital Health Network

With 86% of Australians seeing a GP every year, AMA ACT and Capital Health Network (CHN), ACT’s Primary Health Network celebrate the valuable contribution of our local family doctors on World Family Doctor Day.

Canberra’s GPs serve as the cornerstone of ACT’s health care system, offering personalised, continuous and comprehensive care. They manage a wide range of health issues to ensure patients receive holistic support throughout their lives.

AMA ACT President and local GP, Dr Kerrie Aust said they’re delighted to celebrate the work of Canberra GPs on World Family Doctor Day 2025.

“I am privileged to hear the stories from patients about how much they value their GP. Every day GPs are working with their patients to improve their health, whether it is through preventative health advice, early screening of cancers, collaboration with their health team or holding their hand at the toughest moments. I am proud to be a GP, there is no greater career,” said Dr Aust.

“We know that for every dollar that is invested in general practice, we save $13 in the health system, that is a flow on effect that is good for patients. We call for real investment in general practice, investment in time for a doctor and their patient.”

CHN Director and local GP, Dr Jessica Tidemann said she enjoys being a GP for the variety in practice and the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of the community.

“It’s a privilege to hold space for people, often at their most vulnerable, and empower and support them to achieve improved health outcomes. General practice and family doctors provide comprehensive, cost effective, continuity of care to all people across the lifespan in a way that no other health professionals can. It’s essential that as a society we prioritise and invest in primary care so every person and family has access to an affordable, trusted GP to support them and their healthcare needs,” said Dr Tidemann.