Better information to support rural GP recruitment

The Government has released new maps to more accurately identify communities where doctor shortages exist in rural, regional and remote communities so that recruitment of new doctors can be better targeted. Overseas trained and bonded doctors (under the Bonded Medical Places Scheme) already working in a district of workforce shortage (DWS) location will not be required to move if that location becomes non-DWS under the new system. 

The AMA and other rural doctor groups have been calling for a revision of the DWS system for some time. The new map system, developed in consultation with doctors and regional communities, has been updated with the latest population and Medicare data.