What is a Distribution Priority Area (DPA)?

Due to an alleged oversupply of GPs in metropolitan areas, the Department of Health has introduced new measures for overseas GPs who want to work in Australia, to better distribute them to areas of higher priority. The new DPA Australia classification system identifies locations with a shortage of medical practitioners and facilitates the placement of international medical graduates (IMGs) in rural areas and communities where there is a greater need for GPs.

The Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification system has replaced the District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system for GPs from 1st July 2019.

Alecto helps you navigate the changes

Whether you are confused or unsure about the recent DPA GP changes, please feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your concerns and questions.

At Alecto, we always keep up with the latest rules & regulations and are happy to help you navigate the ramifications and regulations.

How are DPA locations determined?

The new DPA classification system is not based on a GP-to-population ration like DWS. Instead, the new system considers factors such as gender, age and socio-economic status of patients in a GP catchment area.

Under the new DPA system the following rules apply:

  • Inner metropolitan areas are automatically deemed non-DPA.
  • An area is automatically deemed DPA if it falls into MM 3 – 7 (Modified Monash Model)
  • Northern Territory is automatically deemed DPA
  • Locations with a less than favourable level of health services will also be classified DPA if standards don’t meet a specific service benchmark.

What does the new DPA Australia classification system mean for international medical graduates and bonded doctors?

In order to access Medicare under section 19AB of Australia’s Health Insurance Act 1973, international medical graduates who are GPs need to work in a distribution priority area.

The new system also affects Australian-trained bonded doctors. Under the BMP Scheme, the Government provides a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) at a medical school at an Australian university. In exchange for a medical place, graduates are obliged to work in a DPA location to access the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

What changes apply for specialists?

The DWS system for specialists remains largely unchanged and international medical graduates who practice in specialties are required to work in a DWS location to be able to obtain a Medicare Provider Number.

Distribution Priority Areas Map

We have looked at all major cities with the Health Workforce Locator to find out which areas are classified as DPA.

View more info about Distribution Priority Areas Map locations

Female staff having a meeting. Locum GP

DPA GP Jobs Vacancies

Near Alkimos, WA
Unique DPA GP Role
70% of billings + Relocation package
DPA and visa sponsorship available
Very experience operators + state of the art facility
Werribee
DPA GP job – 30 mins from Inner City
Modern, well-established clinic located in a hospital precinct, with strong GP retention
Earn 70% of billings with guaranteed income and a steady stream of patients
Be supported by a capable team of nurses, onsite Allied Health, and an experienced Clinical Director
Near Sydenham, VIC
Closest DPA to Melbourne – GP Needed
Live in the CBD and have an easy commute to work
Immediate patient demand
Huge earning potential with sign on bonuses
Seaford, Melbourne, VIC
DPA GP job near Seaford
DPA location near Seaford
Excellent earning potential
Well established and experienced GP owned practice
Aerial view of Mitcham, Melbourne
Gowrie
DPA GP Opportunity with $20K Relocation
70-75% of billings
Busy Mixed Billing Practice
GP Owned, well established practice
picture of a beach in tweed heads NSW
Bon Beach
DPA GP Role – Modern Bayside Practice
Strong Management and fellow GP support
Immediate patient demand with 70% of billings
Huge earning potential with sign on bonuses
a timber pathway down to the a beach in Perth
Burns Beach, WA
DPA GP Job – 75% of billing
Mixed Billing – Approx 80% patients privately billed
$10,000 relocation/signing bonus
Waiting list of patients for a new GP
Aerial view of downtown Melbourne
Woodlea
GP Role – Melbourne Suburbs DPA
Large Sign on and Relocation Bonuses
High Earning Potential
Strong Patient Demand
Australian War Memorial with reflection pool and flower arrangements in Canberra.
Gungahlin
Canberra GP Role – Mixed Billing DPA
70-75% of Billings
Live in Canberra – top schools, nature, and vibrant city living without the congestion
$20,000 relocation assistance for GPs making the move
Aerial view of a marina with waterfront buildings and boats docked, likely taken near sunset.
Mindarie
In Demand GP Role - DPA
Mixed Billing – high proportion of private billing
GP owned with a collegial team
GPs earnings up to 650k per year

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Why Alecto?

At Alecto Australia, we are committed to finding GP jobs that suit your individual preferences and needs. Because we specialise in sourcing the best GP jobs for the best GPs, we have access to the largest number of permanent GP jobs in Australia.

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