GPDV formed as a company limited by guarantee in October 1995. GPDV is a not for profit, non government organisation governed by an elected Board of Directors.

The objects of the company are to:

1. Be the voice of Divisions of General Practice in Victoria
2. Advocate for divisions and for general practice in Victoria
3. Provide a regular forum for all Victorian divisions
4. Develop policy positions on issues relevant to general practice in Victoria
5. Represent the views of Victorian divisions of general practice in policy development and health service planning at state and federal levels
6. Provide representation of Victorian divisions in any national system of representation of divisions of general practice
7. Support divisions in negotiations with health agencies at the state, regional and local level
8. Inform the public about issues affecting General Practitioners
9. Develop resources, information and expertise to support divisions and their projects.

Since 1998 the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has provided infrastructure and program funding to GPDV as the state based organisation (SBO) for divisions of General Practice in Victoria

GPDV's roles

GPDV provides a united and representative voice for Victorian divisions on state and national health policies and their interface, and on the implementation of policies as programs.

GPDV provides opportunities for communication, collaboration and networking, consensus building and professional development for people working at all levels in divisions.

GPDV functions as the central contact point between divisions and other organisations for health system development in Victoria.