From Stethoscopes to Spanners: Shire GPs Ditch Medicine for Plumbing as Patients Prefer to Pay Tradie Rates

Brock Ledger | Economics Correspondent | Sutherland Shire Gazette

5 March 2025

In a shocking career pivot, local Shire GPs are swapping their white coats for high-vis vests, with record numbers enrolling in trade courses at TAFE Loftus and Gymea this year—particularly plumbing.

The reason? Running a GP clinic has become so expensive that even doctors are feeling financially unwell. Meanwhile, new research has revealed that Shire residents are more willing to pay top dollar for a plumber than for a doctor’s appointment.

“If I charge $90 for a consultation, people complain,” said former GP-turned-apprentice plumber Dr. Steve Trandall. “But if a plumber charges $200 just to show up and jiggle a tap, everyone just nods and says, ‘Yeah, fair enough, mate.’”

With rising costs making bulk billing near impossible, and patients dodging gap fees like a parking ranger at Cronulla Mall, GPs are now seeing the financial light—and it’s attached to a wrench.

TAFE has reported an unprecedented surge in GP enrolments, with plumbing leading the pack, followed closely by carpentry and air-con installation. “Medicine is complex, but honestly, so is connecting a hot water system,” said Dr. Randall. “And at least pipes don’t self-diagnose on Google and tell you you’re wrong.”

Local patients seem unfazed. “I mean, if my toilet’s blocked, I’ll pay whatever it takes,” said resident Lisa Carter. “But if I’ve had a cough for six months, I’ll probably just wait and see.”

With their newfound careers offering better pay, fewer paperwork headaches, and the ability to charge $250 an hour without question, the Shire’s ex-doctors may have finally cracked the ultimate cure—for their own financial health.