Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS) has set a clear direction for the organisation’s next five years through the launch of our Strategic Plan 2026–2030, as we look to build on our foundations and support strong communities and healthy futures – grounded in Cultural Safety, strengthened through relationships, and driven by excellence in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways in general practice (GP) and rural generalist (RG) training.
The launch follows the extension of JCTS’s funding for a further five years. This provides JCTS with greater certainty, plus the opportunity to look ahead and plan for sustainable growth and impact across the GP and RG training sector.
The Strategic Plan was launched by the JCTS Board Chair, Professor Peter O’Mara, board directors and General Manager, Anthony Paulson on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Cultural Safety sits at the heart of the strategy as the first pillar, with JCTS committed to embedding Cultural Safety across systems, governance and GP and RG training delivery. Over the next five years, JCTS will develop a National Cultural Safety Framework, establish measurable Cultural Safety indicators and benchmarks, and build sustainable pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators, supervisors and registrars to lead Cultural Safety education, practice and decision-making.
The second pillar focuses on strengthening Excellence across JCTS, including governance, systems, data, workplace culture and leadership capability. This will support JCTS to deliver high-quality education and training while building a strong, sustainable organisation for the future.
The third pillar, Relationships, highlights JCTS’s commitment to continuing to build and strengthen trusted partnerships across the sector, including with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the Australian Federal Government, other Peak Bodies and communities. The strategy recognises the importance of relationships grounded in reciprocity, respect and shared accountability.
JCTS Chair Professor Peter O’Mara said the strategy reflected where JCTS is today while providing a clear pathway for the organisation’s future.
“We’re in a period of stabilisation and are about to experience significant growth, and this strategy gives us a strong foundation to build from. Over the next 18 to 24 months, we will continue to focus on strengthening our internal structures, governance and alignment, while ensuring Cultural Safety remains central to everything we do at JCTS.
“Looking further ahead, this strategy gives us a clear opportunity to strengthen our relationships across the sector, build our capability and continue making a meaningful contribution to GP and RG training across Australia.”
JCTS General Manager Anthony Paulson took the Strategic Plan launch as an opportunity to inspire JCTS staff and lead the team forward.
“The significance of the five-year funding extension cannot be overstated. It is a testament to the hard work of the JCTS team and the continued investment by the Australian Federal Government and both GP Specialist Colleges. This reinforces the importance of strengthening cultural safety knowledge and capability across the GP and RG workforce.
“For the next five years, all JCTS team members will work towards our shared goal of creating strong communities and healthy futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways in GP and RG training. I couldn’t be prouder of JCTS and all we have achieved so far.”
Through the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, JCTS will continue working towards a more culturally safe, connected and capable health training system, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are reflected and respected across GP and RG training and workforce development.
Media contact
For interviews, images, or further information, please contact:
- Kate Silvey, Communications and Marketing Specialist, on +61 3 9698 0616 or kate.silvey@jcts.org.au