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Rural Advanced Skills payment now open
GPs working outside of Australia’s major cities can earn up to $21,000 extra per year, thanks to a new Federal Government incentive program.
The payment is available for services delivered between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025.
Applications are now open for a new Workforce Incentive Program (WIP), aimed at compensating regional GPs.
The Rural Advanced Skills payments will begin on 1 January next year for successful applicants, recognising services delivered during 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The Federal Government program is aimed at those working in Modified Monash Model 3–7 locations for GPs using advanced skills, including specialist qualifications, and accredited training and credentials.
GPs can earn up to $21,000 in a year in additional incentive payments under the program, based on their rurality and services delivered.
The incentive is broken into two streams – emergency medicine for GPs providing a minimum level of emergency care, and advanced skills for those practising in areas such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, surgery, mental healthcare, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care.
RACGP Rural Deputy Chair Dr Vicki Mattiazzo said the payment is welcome news for remote GPs who are often required to use additional skills to meet their community’s healthcare needs.
‘When you are a GP working in a rural or remote community, you must have a diverse skillset and be ready for anything,’ she said.
‘No two days are the same and many patients may not have ready access to non-GP specialists without lengthy travel.’
It is also hoped the program will help address the current maldistribution of GPs, with regional communities continuing to suffer through a severe doctor shortage.
Dr Mattiazzo said she encourages any future doctor considering becoming a GP to experience a stint in a regional, rural, or remote community.
‘You will be immensely valued by a tightknit community, and you will have incredible opportunities to boost your skills in such a wide range of areas,’ she said.
‘The college is working hard to support GPs who may want to try rural general practice.
‘Take it from me, being a rural GP is a rich and rewarding experience, so why not give it a go?’
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins urged GPs to apply.
‘This incentive rewards investment in specialist qualifications and credentialed skills, attributes that are so important for GPs working in the bush,’ she said.
‘The college is right behind rural GPs and practice teams, who are so important to rural and remote communities right across Australia.’
The WIP payment is available for services delivered between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025, with GPs eligible for up to three payments for services during that period.
An online application form will soon be available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Specific payment information is available on the department’s factsheet.
Funding win for South Australia GPs
Meanwhile, the SA Government is offering new doctors a $10,000 incentive to work in its regional towns, in an attempt to attract more GPs to where they are most needed.
The long list of 32 potential working locations includes Eudunda, Renmark, Bordertown, Clare, and Quorn.
The funding boost comes after lengthy negotiations between the State Government and peak medical bodies, culminating in a new agreement.
It includes the expansion of the rural attraction payment of up to $50,000 to new GPs who are beginning practice and providing hospital services.
There will also be an additional recognition payment of $5000 for each current GP who signs the new agreement.
Rural Doctors’ Association of SA President and rural GP Dr Bill Geyer said the deal is a formal recognition of the work undertaken by remote doctors.
‘GPs in rural areas are the vital backbone of the medical workforce for regional communities,’ he said.
‘We believe that this contract will see a brighter future for GPs who live and work in rural and regional areas, with the new agreement providing more support and recognition of their critical role.
‘We hope that this new contract will attract more GPs to come and enjoy the rewards of South Australia’s rural and regional lifestyle.’
A new Non-Clinical Engagement Plan has also been formalised to remunerate GPs for a broad range of non-clinical commitments, including teaching, training, supervision, regional Local Health Network meetings, and other essential hospital-based activities.
The agreement will begin on 1 February 2024.
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