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

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
beach in Denmark WA
Denmark, WA
Denmark Locum GP
28 February 2025 to 03 March 2025
$2,300 to $2,600 + GST daily
Various shift times available
panoramic view of Lake Macquarie in NSW
Boolaroo, Newcastle, NSW
DPA GP Vacancy - Newcastle
Purpose built facility
70% of mixed billing
Growing patient base
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
view of Sydney CBD with Sydney Harbour Bridge surrounded by buildings
Inner City, Sydney, New South Wales
Seeking General Practitioners for a Thriving Inner-City Practice
Opportunities for full-time, part-time, or locum positions to suit your lifestyle
70% of billings with a $150 per hour guarantee for the first 3 months
Attractive sign-on bonus available for a 2-year commitment
A view of Perth CBD from south Perth
Midvale, Perth, Western Australia
General Practitioner Opportunities in Midvale, Perth
Permanent or 6-month locum position available
70% of billings with a $150/hour guarantee for the first 3 months
A potential sign-on bonus is available for candidates committing to a two-year tenure
view along the coast of Newcastle, Australia
Hastings, Melbourne, VIC
GP DPA vacancy – Mornington Peninsula
Rare DPA opportunity
Work in the beautiful Mornington Pensinsula
Well established practice with experienced owner
Perth CBD at night
Seville Grove, Perth, Western Australia
General Practitioner Opportunity – Seville Grove, Perth
Permanent or 6-month locum position available from February 2025
70% of billings with a $150/hour guarantee for the first 3 months
Access to an onsite Molescan Clinic for specialised skin work
beach in Adelaide at sunset
Somerton Park, Adelaide, Western Australia
GP Opportunity – Mixed Billing Clinic near Somerton Park
Permanent or 6 month Locum GP Role
Earn 70% of billings with a $150/hour guarantee for the first three months
Conveniently located near the beach and close to a vibrant shopping and dining hub

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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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