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

DPA GP Jobs Vacancies

Near Kilmore, VIC
DPA Family practice GP role
General GP and aged care role
DPA MM4 location with visa sponsorship
Relocation assistance provided (car and accommodation)
colourful flower beds in Toowoomba
Toowoomba, QLD
GP – DPA Vacancy in Vibrant Regional Hub
Well known, highly regarded & privately owned practice
Mixed billing practice – strong earning potential
DPA/MM2 location – suitable for doctors requiring PEP or FSP
Torrens Park, SA
DPA GP Job Adelaide
Private billing
Full Patient Base ready
DPA location 20 minute drive from CBD
GP Job
Geelong, Melbourne VIC
GP Job – DPA location
DPA location
Busy mixed billing practice with flexible rostering
70% with min guarantee and relocation assistance
GP Position
Mount Macedon, Melbourne VIC
GP Position - DPA in Macedon Ranges
Mixed Billing
DPA and MMM5 only 1 hour from Melbourne
Supportive GP team
Mandurah Apartments on Canals
Mandurah, Western Australia
GP – private billing practice in DPA location
PRIVATE billing
Diverse patient base with scope for areas of interest
DPA location
MM2
Yarra Valley, VIC
MM2 GP role 30 mins from Eastern suburbs
Highly sought-after MM2, DPA location
30-40 mins drive from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs
Step into an existing patient base
Private Billing
Montmorency, Victoria
DPA vacancy, private billing practice close to Melbourne
Private billing clinic – patients are used to paying for good service
Excellent earning potential with 65% of billings
GP, travel, skin & aged care
Women's Health GP
Western Suburbs, Melbourne
Are you Melbourne's best Women's Health GP?
DPA Location
Mixed Billing – No lack of patients
Purpose built, state-of-the-art Women’s Health facility
Middle of the street in inner east Melbourne
Werribee, Melbourne VIC
DPA GP Role – High Earnings
GPs bill average of $20K per week (working 32 hours per week)
Rare Vacancy – Long term retention of GPs
70% Mixed Billing

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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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