A doctor who ran unsuccessfully in last year’s RACGP presidential election is launching his own lobby group for GPs, hoping to influence policy with political donations.

A GP from Melbourne, Dr Chris Irwin says his group will employ professional lobbyists with the goal of attracting more funding for general practice and “gaining respect” for GPs in Canberra.

Called the Australian Society of General Practice, the organisation says it will start recruiting members in coming weeks.

Australian Doctor: What is the point of your new group and why should GPs join when they already pay college membership?