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

Port Campbell Foreshore in Geelong, Melbourne
Geelong, Melbourne VIC
DPA GP Job – 12 Month Guarantee
DPA Location
70% - Private Billing
Sign-On Bonus
Sydney Skyline
Newcastle, NSW
GP role in rapidly expanding practice - up to $50,000 bonus
$180/hour income guarantee for first 3 months
Mixed billing practice with high proportion of private billings
65% of billings + $50,000 bonus or 70% of billings + $10,000 bonus.
panoramic view of Lake Macquarie in NSW
Boolaroo, Newcastle, NSW
DPA GP Vacancy - $50,000 bonus
Purpose built facility
65% of billings + $50,000 bonus or 70% of billings + $10,000 bonus.
Growing patient base
view of wheatbelt field at sunset
Great Southern Region, WA
Locum GP Opportunities – Great Southern Region, WA
Various shifts available between 19 April and 30 July 2025
$2600 per day
GP with experience in Emergency Medicine
beach in Denmark WA
Denmark, WA
Denmark Locum GP
Various shifts available between 14 April and 27 April 2025
$2,600 + GST daily
Various shift times available
view of stirling ranges with flowers in foreground
Great Southern Region, WA
Locum GP Opportunities – Near Albany
Various shifts between 19 April and 30 June 2025
$2600 to $2860 per day
GP with experience in Emergency Medicine
Gold Coast Beach
Coomera, QLD
Gold Coast Locum GP
26 May 2025 to 10 June 2025
High earning potential due to established patient bases
Scope to build own specialisation
view of stirling ranges with flowers in foreground
Denmark, WA
Locum GP Opportunities – Denmark
28 February 2025 to 3 March 2025
$2600 per day
GP with experience in Emergency Medicine
Aerial view of Shepparton in Victoria
Ningi, Brisbane, QLD
GP job – DPA coastal location Brisbane
DPA coastal location one hour from Brisbane
Busy patient base
Privately owned mixed billing practice
View of a Mandurah canal
Mandurah, Western Australia
Locum GP Opportunity – Mandurah, WA
Permanent positions or locum assignments of at least 2 weeks
Competitive pay structure with a choice between $230.00 + GST per hour or 65% + GST of billings
Accommodation and flights provided for locum roles

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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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