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 and Bonded Doctors 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

DPA GP Jobs Vacancies

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DPA GP Job - Top Quality Practice with Flexible Roster
High earning potential - $500k working 4 days/week.
Nursing, pathology, audiology on-site
Flexible hours with work-life balance
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Mid North Coast, Sydney NSW
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70+% of mixed billings
DPA location with possible relocation upfront payment
Immediate patient base ensuring high income from the outset
View of Sydney Opera House
Newcastle, Sydney NSW
GP Job (DPA) Newcastle area
DPA location in Newcastle area
70% mixed billings
Immediate patient base
Aerial View of Newcastle Beach
Newcastle, Sydney NSW
GP Job (DPA) in Hunter Region
100% private billings
DPA location with $200/hour guaranteed hourly rate
Privately owned with immediate patient demand
Gold Coast beach
Logan Shire, Brisbane QLD
GP Job – DPA Exemption
70% - mixed billings
DPA Academic exemption available
Established practice in a modern new building
Brisbane City Landscape at Dusk
Moreton Bay Region, Brisbane QLD
GP DPA Location – where you choose how you work
DPA Location
206,000 active patients on their database
State of the art facility

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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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