Incentives for regional doctors welcome

“We have been urging the Queensland government for action in key areas of workforce shortages and they have heeded our calls,” AMA Queensland President Dr Maria Boulton said.

“The announcement of financial incentives for interstate and international doctors to relocate to Queensland, and for doctors already in Queensland to move to rural and regional areas, will help address critical shortages.

“We have far too many maternity units closed or on indefinite bypass across Queensland, with others hanging on by a thread. Staff in these regions are under immense pressure as they try to do their best in a broken system.

“We have seen far too many general practices close their doors, leaving patients with long drives to the nearest GP.

“Regional economies depend on our hospitals and health services to create vibrant, liveable towns that entice people to relocate and remain in the district.

“Families and young people do not want to live where they cannot guarantee the health of their children and themselves. Without families, professionals and people of working age such as teachers and tradespeople can’t find work and businesses can’t survive.

“This announcement provides a financial incentive for people to move to Queensland and our regions. We also have to provide the emotional and professional support to ensure they stay, particularly international medical graduates.

“We must also look at how we can best use our existing workforce.

“Many Queensland doctors tell us they would willingly fill short- and medium-term shortages in our regional, rural and remote communities, but are prohibited by our own government under an out-dated restriction.

“So instead of treating Queensland patients, they are accepting locum positions in New South Wales.

“This restriction has been removed for obstetricians following AMA Queensland advocacy but remains for other specialists. We urge the government to remove this restriction for all specialists.”