AGPN

Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) is the new name of the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) which was established in 1998 as the peak national body representing 119 divisions of general practice and their state-based organisations across Australia.

We are the largest voice for general practice in Australia with over 95 per cent of Australia's GPs members of their local division. The Network delivers local heath solutions through general practice.

ADGP was established after a 1998 Commonwealth Government General Practice Strategy Review recommendation that AGPN be funded as the national organisation of Divisions.

Representation

AGPN is Australia's largest representative voice for general practitioners.  As part of AGPN's representation program, grass roots GPs sit on approximately 60 key decision-making bodies in the health sector, having direct input into general practice financing, GP workforce and training, clinical practice and practice management and other key issues influencing the future of General Practice.  AGPN is represented on the following National Bodies:

• General Practice Partnership Advisory Group
• General Practice Representation Group
• AMWAC GP Workforce Working Group
• General Practice Immunisation Advisory Group

Programs

AGPN receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and other sources to manage National Programs for the Divisions of General Practice Network to support General Practice locally and to improve the health of all Australians.

AGPN's programs cover a broad range of primary care issues, including immunisation, mental health, aged care and practice nursing.  These programs aim to strengthen primary health care to better meet the needs of the Australian community.  Where appropriate, AGPN works collaboratively with other organisations, such as the Pharmacy Guild, to develop and coordinate a program.

Many of the programs are overseen by committees made up of GPs from Divisions and other stakeholders such as academics, allied health professionals and consumers. AGPN also works closely with the SBOs and Divisions in implementing national programs to ensure they meet the local needs of their communities.

At a local level, AGPN helps and supports Divisions to deliver programs such as the IM/IT support service within individual Divisions, continuing medical education, and other national programs.  It is through this grass roots involvement in day-to-day general practice that AGPN builds its knowledge of the concerns and views of general practice from which to accurately represent the views of the profession at a national level.

To find out more about the work of the Divisions Network, please contact your local Division or contact the Australian General Practice Network.