Fears Australia may face GP shortage as figures reveal almost 10% now aged over 70

Data from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) found that as of 30 June 3,142 of Australia’s 35,514 GPs are aged over 70. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

Almost 10% of Australia’s GPs are aged over 70, new figures have revealed, with concerns that a proposal to introduce health checks for older doctors may worsen workforce shortages.

According to data from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), 8.8% of all GPs in Australia – 3,142 of 35,514 practitioners – are over 70, as of 30 June.