Although there is evidence for the effectiveness of self-management support, there has been limited engagement of Australian general practice staff with self-management support provided by other services. Efforts to integrate self-management support into general practice have also been challenging, largely because of capacity constraints and the difficulties of incorporating it into existing work practices. A broader systemic approach is needed, including a collaborative approach between providers, a range of self-management support options, training of general practice staff, and changes to the organisation of services and the way in which they relate to each other. The expanding role of practice nurses, new models of integrated primary health care and changes to the role of the Divisions of General Practice present an opportunity for this to be incorporated "from the ground up".